Voters: Lynn mayoral candidates too negative

LYNN – The race for mayor has hit a negative tone in its last full week before the Nov. 3 election, voters interviewed by The Item said Monday.”It’s negative but that’s politics,” said Stan Ellis as he picked up his grandchildren at the Brickett School.Brickett parent Erin Coogan said there is too much “nitpicking back and forth” between Mayor Edward J. Clancy Jr. and City Councilor at large Judith Flanagan Kennedy as the race for mayor winds its way down to the final weekend.Clancy and Kennedy battled during the last several days over a Clancy political advertisement challenging Kennedy’s stance on municipal budget relief. Kennedy filed a police complaint questioning Clancy’s use of her signature in the ad.Clancy did not accept a handshake offered by Kennedy at a Ford School debate last Monday night and Kennedy stood up at a Community Brotherhood debate last Thursday and shouted at Clancy: “I decided that I wasn’t going to be intimidated by you anymore.””I’m not sure they are really communicating,” said Ken Williams, the father of a Brickett six year old who wants to hear the mayoral candidates talk more about how they will ensure his daughter and other students have sufficient after school care. The mayor serves as chairman of the School Committee.Kathy McDonough thinks taxes are an important city issue but prefers to hear Clancy and Kennedy talking about how city property tax revenue will be spent on education funding.Brian Linder said Clancy and Kennedy “have gone too negative” and said sniping by the candidates reinforces the popular impression that politicians promise change then fail to deliver it.”People are waiting on change,” Linder said.Melora Hosler, mother of a Brickett first grader, hopes the candidates will spend the last several days of the campaign informing her and other voters about their plans for improving local schools and addressing other city issues.Coogan agrees.”I’m worried about school cuts.”Click here for complete Lynnelection coverage, candidate profiles and more. You may also comment on theelection and read what others have to say.