The Northampton County Election Office reports no one has filed a nominating petition for a council seat in Northampton Borough's second ward.

It was expected Anthony "Tony" Pristash, appointed by council several months ago to fill the vacant seat resulting from the resignation of Councilwoman Sherry Maikits, would run for a four-year term.

Pristash, who is also president of the Northampton Area Chamber of Commerce and head of the Northampton Memorial Community Center board, did not file a nominating petition. Petitions, which must include a minimum of 10 names from the political party the candidate represents, were due to the county board of elections March 12. The primary takes place May 21.

Pristash, or any other resident, could still secure a spot on the ballot by getting the most write-in votes in the May 21 primary.

Even if a person gets only one write-in vote for the second ward, that person's name would still be on the ballot in November, assuming that person is the only one to get a write-in vote.

The other candidates seeking council seats include incumbents Robert Coleman of the first ward; Paul McHale of the third ward; and Anthony Lopsonzski Jr. of the fourth ward.

McHale is the only Republican serving on borough council. The others filed as Democrats.

Mayor Thomas Reenock is unopposed in his bid for reelection. Reenock, a Democrat, has served the borough as councilman and mayor for 38 years.

Incumbent Tax Collector Judith Stanz, a Democrat, is the only candidate running for that office.

The borough has four wards, with two council members serving from each of the wards.