Ritter joins mayoral race

After a tight race in 2011, Gene Ritter will try again to become mayor of Dunkirk.
A Republican, Ritter filed Wednesday afternoon to run against incumbent Democrat Dan Watson for the office. They also met in the 2011 general election.
Ritter lost a close race to Watson — 269-245 — four years ago after being slated to run on the Republican ticket after the primary. Watson had defeated incumbent Ron Hunt in the Democratic primary.
Wednesday’s filing guarantees contested races for mayor in both cities in Jay County as Portland already had a crowded field. Incumbent Democrat Randy Geesaman is facing a primary challenge from Jeff Harker while Milo Miller Jr. and Doug Blankenbaker are both seeking the Republican nomination.
Both Watson and Ritter are currently uncontested for the May primary.
The deadline to file is Feb. 6.