Mayoral, council forum set in Lynn

LYNN – Candidates for mayor and councilor-at-large have been invited to participate in an Oct. 7 public debate at the Lynn Knights of Columbus, 177 Lynnfield St., starting promptly at 6:45 p.m.The candidates night is hosted by the Valladolid Council Knights of Columbus and will be divided into two segments, according to Brian P. Magrane, a spokesman for the fraternal organization.The event kicks off with a debate between incumbent Mayor Edward J. Clancy Jr. and challenger Judith Flanagan Kennedy, the two currently recognized candidates for the office of mayor. That session will be followed up by debate among the candidates vying for councilor-at-large seats. Those candidates are: Incumbent and City Council President John Timothy Phelan, incumbent Councilor Paul T. Crowley, incumbent Daniel Cahill and challengers Stephen T. Duffy, Eugene Schneeberg and George Meimeteas.The format includes a five-minute statement by both mayoral candidates regarding their candidacies for election or reelection. A question-and-answer period will follow, after which the candidates will be given an opportunity to summarize or rebut.The mayoral debate is expected to last one hour, Magrane said.Since the field is broader, councilor-at-large candidates will each be allowed three minutes to deliver a personal statement. “The councilor-at-large portion of the debate, which will be fair and fast-paced with equal opportunity to address questions and to give responses, will last approximately 90 minutes,” said Magrane, adding that the latter portion of the debate should begin between 7:50-8 p.m. and no later if it can be avoided.The candidates have been asked by the Knights of Columbus to email their acceptance or regrets no later than Friday by noon, to Magrane at [email protected] Knights of Columbus will respond within 12 hours that the reply has been received. Those candidates who have not heard from Magrane after that time are urged to call him at 781-864-8924.A seat will be reserved, with name card, for those candidates who reply to the invitation.Click here for complete Lynn election coverage, candidate profiles and more. You may also comment on the election and read what others have to say.