AUBURN — The race for City Council has six potential candidates so far — including two candidates for the Ward 5 seat and two for the at-large seats.

Monday was the first day for candidates to pick up nomination papers and begin passing petitions to get their names on the November ballot.

In Ward 5, Leroy Walker Sr., of 41 Broad St., and Evan Cyr, of 245 Broad St., both took out petitions for the City Council seat currently held by Ray Berube.

Former City Council member Ron Potvin, of 82 Northern Ave., and Joshua Shea, of 30 Paul St., both took out nominations for the two at-large seats. Those seats are held by Belinda Gerry and Eric Samson.

Incumbents Robert Hayes, of 172 Allen Ave. in Ward 2, and David Young, of 1167 Old Danville Road in Ward 4, both took out nominations as well. So far, they are the only City Council incumbents to take out nomination papers.

In the Auburn School Committee race, incumbents Bonnie Hayes, of 172 Allen Ave. in Ward 2 and at-large member Francois Bussiere, of 9 Winter St., both took out nominations.

No candidates have taken out nominations for the mayor’s seat, currently held by Dick Gleason.

Auburn candidates have until Aug. 25 to collect signatures for their nominating petitions.

Candidates for mayor need to collect at least 100 signatures from registered voters living anywhere in Auburn. Candidates for City Council or School Committee need to collect 25 signatures — from anywhere in the city for at-large candidates or from within individual wards for ward candidates.

According to City Charter, terms for Auburn’s elected officials begin 45 days after the election, or Dec. 23, 2011.

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