Lynn candidate forum tonight

LYNN – The table is set for debate.The two candidates running for the office of Lynn mayor and those seeking a councilor-at-large seat will have an opportunity today to voice their views and opinions at a special forum at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 177 Lynnfield St., starting at 6:45 p.m.The candidates’ night, hosted by the Knights’ Valladolid Council, 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 “Chip” Clancy Jr. and challenger Judith Flanagan Kennedy. That session will be followed by debate among councilor-at-large candidates. 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 re-election.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.A panel will ask questions of the candidates. There will be no public question-and-answer session. The councilor-at-large segment of the night is scheduled to start no later than 8 p.m. and last about 90 minutes.