And the race(s) begin

Guy Glodis Worcester County Sheriff Guy Glodis formally announced his campaign for state auditor this past Monday; the expected announcement will set off a series of other announcements this month from other local politicians.

“As auditor, I will continue that no-nonsense, independent approach, ensuring the Auditor’s Office is an independent, nonpartisan agency driven by the best interests of taxpayers and not the status quo,” Glodis said in his announcement speech.

Glodis is seeking to replace Joseph DeNucci, who will be retiring at the end of this year. Glodis, who lives in Auburn, was elected as sheriff in 2004, after serving in the Legislature for eight years.

During his announcement event, Glodis explained his vision for the Auditor’s Office, specifically playing a greater role in fiscal and policy issues.

“I believe the Auditor’s Office can and should be more than just a fiscal watchdog. The auditor can be on the front lines of job creation, reducing property taxes, economic development, and good government.”

Glodis’ announcement sets the stage for state Rep. Lewis Evangelidis (R-Holden) to make his campaign official. He is expected to run for Worcester County Sheriff, but is not the only ones posing for a run.

Tom Foley is also preparing for a run and garnering support through Web sites, like Facebook, and events throughout the county. Foley, who is a member of the Governor’s Council and represents Westminster on that board, will be running in the Democratic primary.

Democrat Scot Bove, an assistant deputy superintendent at the Worcester County House of Corrections, announced Thursday that he will seek the office and independent Keith Nicholas announced his intentions on Monday.

Evangelidis has represented Westminster for the last seven years in the state House of Representatives. For the last two months he has been considering a run for the county seat, but said he would withhold making a formal announcement until Glodis made his decision.

Westminster voters will face the decision of who to pick as their new state representative in November as Evangelidis departs the role.

Two Holden selectmen are considering the run but neither will formally announce until Evangelidis does. Kimberly Ferguson, a Republican, is interested in running as is Kenneth O’Brien, a Democrat..

Also announcing his interest in the race is Hubbardston resident and Westminster native Hank Stolz. Stolz the host of “Wake up Worcester” on WCRN.