Thank You.

The 2009 Lawrence Mayoral Candidate’s forum was hosted last Monday evening at Central Catholic High School by Costa Eagle Broadcasting, Univision Noticias Nueva Englaterra, The Eagle Tribune and Lawrence CommunityWorks’ Yes We Will campaign.  The nine candidates in attendance were David Abdoo, Patrick Blanchette, Daniel Cotnoir, Marcos Devers, Nunzio DiMarca, Pedro Payano, Nilka Alvarez-Rodriguez, and Julia Silverio.  These candidates answered questions from a panel that included Sara Suarez of Univision, Jill Harmaniciki of The Eagle Tribune, Sandra Mouzon of Lawrence CommunityWorks’ Yes We Will Campaign, and Gina Marte Yes We Will Youth Representative.  The evening was moderated by Bruce Arnold of WCCM who brought his experience from moderating past Lawrence mayoral debates, and made the night fun.

The tone of the evening was positive and respectful. Candidates responded to a series of questions ranging from what candidates would do about budget shortfalls to how they would create an environment of accountability within the city government.  The questions posed by Sandra Mouzon and Gina Marte came from questions that had been collected from the community of Lawrence during the summer.  An audience of about 3-400 people listened intently during the hour and a half forum.

This forum will be followed by a forum on Thursday Sept. 17^th at the South Lawrence East School at 165 Crawford St.  This event will be hosted by the Merrimack Valley Central Labor Commission and attendance should expect to hear questions that focus on Labor issues.  The event will be from 7pm-9pm.

Also, Lawrencians should look forward to a series of Mayoral Debates following next Tuesday’s Preliminary Elections were two candidates will remain.  Remember to vote on Tuesday September 22^nd!