Concord's city elections have been pretty low-key this year with many incumbents, including the mayor and the president of the school board, running unopposed. Are city residents largely satisfied with their elected leaders and the direction of the city - or apathetic?

Regardless, there are a handful of contested races on the ballot, and it's important to vote. The winners will play an important role in shaping the next (difficult) city and school budgets. To recap:

• Voters across the city will be asked to choose two at-large city councilors from a field of four: incumbent Dan St. Hilaire and newcomers Michael DelloIacono, Jim Baer and Rick Cibotti. The Monitor's choices are St. Hilaire and DelloIacono.

• In Ward 7, incumbent Councilor Keith Nyhan is running against Steve Sawyer. The Monitor has endorsed Nyhan for re-election.

• Two candidates are vying to replace Megan De Vorsey for a one-year seat on the Concord School Board: former board member Bill Glahn and newcomer Tom Croteau. The Monitor endorsed Glahn.

• Finally, voters in Wards 4, 8, 9 and 10 will be asked to choose a state representative to replace Tara Reardon. The candidates are Democrat Jim MacKay and Republican Lynne Blankenbeker.