New Bedford Voters Can Attend Two Candidate Forums This Week

NEW BEDFORD (WBSM) — New Bedford voters will have two opportunities this week to hear what the candidates running in the November 7 municipal election have to say, with a pair of candidates' nights planned.

On Tuesday, October 17, there will be a candidates forum at the Alfred J. Gomes School, located at 286 South Second Street.

It will take place from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. and will be moderated by Rene Ledbetter, President of the NAACP, and John "Buddy" Andrade of the Alfred J. Gomes Neighborhood Association.

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Candidates running unopposed for the New Bedford City Council, Assessor and the New Bedford School Committee will have an opportunity to speak, before giving way to those candidates in contested races.

That includes incumbent Mayor Jon Mitchell, who is facing challenger Richard Tyson Moultrie for the second straight election.

Incumbent city councilors at large Ian Abreu, Shane Burgo, Naomi Carney, Brian Gomes and Linda Morad are all seeking re-election over challengers Scott Lima, Devin Byrnes, Bruce Duarte, Guelmie Santiago and Joyce Rowley.

Ward 1 voters will choose between incumbent William “Brad” Markey and Leo Choquette, while the Ward 5 race will see Joe Lopes go up against Zach Boyer.

Ward 2 Councilor Maria Giesta, Ward 3 Councilor Shawn Oliver, Ward 4 Councilor Derek Baptiste and Ward 6 Councilor Ryan Pereira are all running unopposed.

Three incumbents on the school committee will also be on the November ballot and are also running uncontested. They are Christopher Cotter, Joaquim “Jack” Livramento and Bruce Oliveira. Martin “Marty” Treadup is running unopposed for Assessor.

But first, there will also be a candidates' forum on Monday, October 16 hosted by the Mayor's Youth Council, featuring the candidates for the at-large race.

It will take place from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Brooklawn Park Community Center, located at 1997 Acushnet Avenue.

Attendees can expect a series of questions presented by the Youth Council involving the current issues related to New Bedford.

During the forum, attendees will also be given the opportunity to hear from the participants about who they are, why they are running for office, and what they even hope to accomplish. There will also be a Q&A session with the candidates.