^ State Representative Liz Malia and challenger Charles Clemons Muhammad at last night’s Wards 11 and 19 candidates’ Forum

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Understandably everybody is focused on November’s election of a new President. Let us not, however, disregard the rapidly approaching September 8th contests afoot on Suffolk County ballots. There are many. As always, Here and Sphere will endorse where appropriate.

We will publish our endorsements just before Labor Day. This isn’t a great choice to make, but there isn’t much we can do. Before labor Day everybody’s on vacation; but after Labor Day there’s only 48 hours remaining before voting time. So be it.

The following contests attract our attention :

Suffolk Sheriff. As a two candidate contest between incumbent Steve Tompkins and challenger Alex Rhalimi, it offers plenty of drama and a clear contrast between two very different men. (NOTE : We will NOT be endorsing in this race, as I am consulting to the Rhalimi campaign and am thus unable to offer an objective recommendation.)

Suffolk Register of Deeds. Seven candidates for the Democratic nomination to face two independent candidates on the November ballot: Doug Bennett; Stephanie Everett; Katie Forde; Michael Mackan; Paul Nutting; Jeff Ross; former Boston City Councillor Stephen Murphy. We WILL endorse in this race.

State Representative, 5th Suffolk : this district covers Uphams Corner, Meeting House Hill, Four Corners, and part of the Fields Corner area, all of it in Dorchester. Incumbent Evandro Carvalho faces a primary challenger, Melinda Stewart. We WILL endorse a candidate.

State Representative, 7th Suffolk : the retirement of 17-term Gloria Fox opens up a district covering the Fenway and most of central Roxbury. Three candidates seek the seat : Monica Cannon, Mary-dith Tuitt, and Chynah Tyler. We WILL endorse fort this race.

State Representative, 11th Suffolk : this district represents most of Fort Hill, almost all of Jamaica Plain and parts of Roslindale. Incumbent Liz Malia has a challenger, Charles Clemons Muhammad. We WILL endorse in this race.

State Representative, 12th Suffolk District : incumbent Dan Cullinane faces two challengers, Jovan Lacet and Carlotta Williams, in a district representing most of Mattapan, Lower Mills, and the Eliot Street section of Milton. We WILL endorse in this race.

State Representative, Fourteenth Suffolk District : incumbent Angelo Scaccia has represented Readville, central Hyde Park and most of Roslindale since 1972 except for one term, 1978 to 1980. He has two challengers, Virak Uy and Anthony Solimine. We will NOT be endorsing in this race, as this writer is a long time friend of Angelo Scaccia and is working for his re-election.

Governor’s Councillor, 6th Council District : incumbent Terence Kennedy faces North End resident Stephen Borelli in a contest covering only one part of Suffolk County : the First Suffolk and Middlesex Senate District. We will endorse in this race,

Please note that though we will not be endorsing certain contests, we will nonetheless write about the candidates and the race. We DO want all of our readers who live in Suffolk County (Boston, Revere, Winthrop, and Chelsea) to vote in the primary. Voting day is a Thursday this time. Mark your calendars !

—- Mike Freedberg / Here and Sphere