January 12th, 2012 by WCBC Radio

On Wednesday there were two last minute surprises that will impact this year’s local elections: a wide open Cumberland City Council race with no incumbents; and essentially a non race for seats on the Allegany County Board of Education. Just a week after he filed to seek another term, 18 year councilman Harold Butch Hendershot opted to withdraw his name from the ballot- leaving a field of 9 political newcomers vying for two council seats. Earlier incumbent Mary Beth Pirolozzi had announced that she had no intentions of running again. For the two school board seats up for election this year- no primary and virtually no need for an election at all as only two candidates filed. Incumbent Ed Root is joined on the ballot by former Lonaconing Mayor Nick Hadley. Barring something unforeseen, Root and Hadley will be elected in November to seats on the board. Root’s fellow incumbent Jeff Metz declined to seek a third term. On the city side, it’s a full slate of candidates, some better known than others. The field, which in April will be narrowed to four, includes: Nicole Wagoner; Steven Phillips; Albert Keener; Dominic Dearcangelis; David Caporale; Sylvester Young III; Carey Walker; Thomas Taccino; and John Cline. Hendershot talked with WCBC News and said that he decided to bow out per the wishes of his family, as well as some lingering health issues…