Needham selectmen candidates file finance reports

By Lisa Kocian, Globe Staff

Needham candidates are proving the conventional wisdom that it costs more to run if you are a challenger rather than an incumbent.

Selectman candidate Matt Borrelli, an attorney in town, has spent the most among his rivals, at $6,758, most of it his own money, according to his campaign finance report filed Monday (April 6).

All four candidates competing for two seats on the Board of Selectmen filed campaign finance reports this week. Maurice “Moe” Handel, a Planning Board member, was the second biggest spender at $5,677. Scott Brightman, a Finance Committee member, has spent $4,231. Incumbent John Bulian spent the least at $1,311.

Handel raised the most, with $7,437. Borrelli, who lost his bid for selectman last year, was second at $7,265; $6,000 of that was self-funded by Borrelli.

The reports go through the 8th day preceding the election, so there is still room for spending. Elections are April 14.