Local elections are commonly presented as non-partisan events. There is actually no such thing! Local elections are the place where people enter the process of elected service. It is a seed position for higher more demanding positions which are partisan.
If all the seed candidates are their because they seek to change local laws to line their own pockets (the definition of a Republican), then that is the pool from which State Senators and Congress people will come from. It is absolutely imperative that local communities find and place qualified candidates into these positions who represent the interests of the community not just the candidate.
I believe that all candidates should disclose their political affiliations and they should be a key part of determining if that candidate is right for a political position. I also believe that efforts by the political parties to identify and notify the constituency about the political affiliations of candidates are justified and necessary.