For the first time in years, there will be several contested races in Coupeville.

As of press time Friday, all three town council races and the mayor race are all contested. Roxallanne Kelly Medley is challenging incumbent Molly Hughes, Ann Dannhauer is challenging incumbent Marshall Bronson and Gary Piazzon is challenging incumbent Bob Clay.

Mayor Nancy Conard is up for reelection and Coupeville resident Gordon Burton filed to run against her Friday afternoon.

Burton, a retired computer network engineer, decided to run because he wants to change the way the town is governed. He said the system of checks and balances has been removed since Conard became full-time town administrator. He said he would also work for a more open government.

He has lived in Coupeville since 1996 and he is married with two grown children.

The filing deadline for elective offices was Friday afternoon.

Four years ago, every seat on the town council and the mayor position were up for election and all candidates ran unopposed. Things have changed since 2003.

Medley, a former school teacher and professional violinist, is a familiar face in Coupeville elections. She ran against Phil Williamson in 2001 and lost a tight race by 20 votes.

She decided to run again because she sees several projects that the town has started but hasn