Mayoral race features rematch between Spriggs and Gabriault-Acosta; Blake and Thurston join contest

Update: The Merced mayoral race is a four-way fight, featuring a rematch of 2009's battle between Michelle Gabriault-Acosta and Bill Spriggs. Also withdrawing mayoral candidacy papers was Councilman Bill Blake and former councilman Stanley P. Thurston.

Former Merced Police Chief Tony Dossetti withdrew paperwork on Monday to run for Merced City Council, as did current City Councilman Noah Lor, whose term expires at the end of this year. Dossetti worked in the Merced Police Department for 30 years, ending his career as chief in 2005.

Earlier:

November's elections could be very interesting if Monday morning is any indication. Just a few hours into the first day of the filing period for the Nov. 8 city council elections, four people pulled candidacy papers for mayor, and one for city council. We'll post the names when they become available later this afternoon.

Candidates have until Aug. 12 to file their paperwork with the Merced County Registrar of Voters.