Coppola issues debate challenge to Ford

LYNN – Ward 7 City Council candidate Harry Coppola is eager to debate incumbent councilor Richard Ford.With the fall election fast approaching on Nov. 6, Coppola said he wants to give residents of Ward 7 an opportunity to listen to both his and Ford’s viewpoints on pressing issues in the city before time runs out.Coppola said he is currently in the process of arranging a debate to take place on Oct. 30 at the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) hall in Lynn from 7-8 p.m.”If he doesn’t show up and I have to debate an empty chair, then I will,” he said. “I heard that he (Ford) wants to just go door to door and talk to people, but I think a debate would be better.”Coppola said he plans to send a letter to Ford inviting him to attend the debate once all of the details have been finalized.”What’s one hour out of his campaign,” Coppola asked. “I just want a chance.”Despite Coppola’s request for a one-on-one verbal sparring session, incumbent Ward 7 councilor Richard Ford said he has no desire to debate Coppola.”I’m going to keep doing my thing and I’m just going to avoid him,” he said. “I don’t want to get negative and start talking about Classical High School and why he voted for it?he can debate the empty chair if he wants.”Ford said he has received a lot of support thus far from constituents on the campaign trail who have suggested he avoid a debate with Coppola.”I got a letter from one woman in Lynn that said I didn’t need to debate Coppola and that I rock,” he said. “She told me to keep doing what I was doing and to lead the people.”Although Coppola said he has come across several constituents that vow to remain loyal to Ford, he maintains an upbeat outlook.”I recently went to a woman’s home and she told me that she’s planning on voting for Ford again,” he said. “I told her to absolutely vote for him if she’s happy with him, but I still think it would be a good idea to have a debate. But he’s publicly said no.”Aside from Coppola’s proposed debate, another debate is scheduled to take place for Councilor at Large candidates tonight at the Washington Street Baptist Church from 7-9 p.m.A second debate for School Committee candidates is scheduled for Oct. 25. Both events are free and open to the public.Lynn resident Ben Runyon organized the debates with the help of his pastor, Kurt Lange of East Coast International Church at 113 Chestnut St. and several other organizations in the city.According to Runyon, the debate is intended to provide residents with a chance to meet and greet candidates and get to know them.A moderator will ask each candidate a series of three predetermined questions that were selected based upon input from the supporting organizations.Councilor at Large candidates taking part in the debate are: incumbent City Council President Timothy Phelan, Judith Kennedy Flanagan, incumbent Councilor at Large Paul Crowley, Daniel Cahill, Stephen Duffy and Gary Roach.School Committee candidates taking part in the debate are: Vincent Spirito, incumbent Donna Coppola, incumbent Patricia Capano, incumbent John E. Ford, incumbent Jeffery Newhall, Donald Castle, Maria Carrasco, Charlie Gallo, John Krol and George Meimeteas.