Several Forums, Debates Planned for Local Election

– Allison Goldsberry

The 2015 municipal election is going to be a particularly dynamic one. Mayor Michael McGlynn is not seeking re-election after twenty-eight years in charge of the city. There are two open seats on the seven member City Council, with Paul Camuso not seeking re-election and Robert Penta running for mayor. There are also two open seats on the six member School Committee, with John Falco and George Scarpelli both seeking seats on the Council.

In 2016 Medford’s city and school leadership will include some new faces. Luckily, several events are planned to help voters get the information they need about the candidates running for office.

The Medford Chamber of Commerce has planned a mayoral debate on October 15 with candidates Stephanie Muccini Burke and Penta. The debate is taking place from 6-10 PM at the Chevalier Theater. Voters are being asked to submit questions for consideration to mcocdebate@gmail.com.

Medford resident Jay Campbell has organized four different candidate forums. The first one is taking place on September 16 at 6:30 PM at Cohen Auditorium at Tufts University. According to Campbell, every candidate has promised to be at the event, which will include brief candidate statements and time for voters to speak directly with the candidates.

“I hope that all who attend the Meet Your Candidates event will learn why each candidate is running,” said Campbell. “I hope residents take the time to meet their candidates and have a conversation with them. I want residents to walk away with a better sense of what our elected officials do and who they want to elect for these positions. I also hope the candidates learn a bit more about what residents value and need from their officials.”

Campbell is also planning three other events, which he said “grew out of” the meet the candidates event.

“I felt compelled to create this event to bring the candidates and residents together,” said Campbell. “I truly believe that every resident deserves an opportunity to meet their candidates and every candidate deserves the opportunity to meet the residents of Medford.”

The other three events include a mayoral debate to be moderated by Hank Morse on September 30; a City Council forum on October 7; and a School Committee forum on October 21 that will be moderated by Everett School Committee chair Frank Parker. Each event is taking place at 6:30 PM at the Medford Lodge of Elks.

“It seems like this election year is different from past years,” said Campbell. “We are going to see major changes in our local government and I wanted to make an informed choice about who would earn my vote. I wanted to meet each candidate, hear what made them decide to run for office, and learn about their views and priorities.”