by Neil W. McCabe

The city’s election office certified the signatures Friday securing a place on the  ballot for former Ward 6 alderman John M. "Jack" Connolly turned in for the May 15 special election to fill the alderman-at-large vacancy left by State Rep. Denise M. Provost.

"I got a call Friday telling me I was all set," Connolly said.

Connolly said he collected more than 200 signatures, but the city only certifies the 150 required plus 30 extra in case of a challenge.

The deadline for turning in signatures is Tuesday.

Robert Daut and James Thomas took out nomination petitions  bringing the roster of candidates to:

John M. Connolly, Martin Martinez, James Thomas and Robert Daut.

A source close to the proto-campaign of Robert W. Hardy Jr. told The News Hardy is out of town and unavailable for comment.

James Thomas run for the Ward 6 school board seat in 2006.

Developing…