News & Events
LaRock commits to Melrose Cares debate
October 05, 2009Boston.com - By Travis Andersen, Town Correspondent
School Committee hopeful Jean-Daniel LaRock has agreed to participate in a candidate forum sponsored by a citizen’s group and a controversial local news blog.
The debate, sponsored by the group Melrose Cares and the North Shore Tab, is scheduled for Oct. 26 at 7 p.m. at Melrose Middle School. It is open to the public.
Committee chair Christine Casatelli, up for reelection, has confirmed her participation in the debate, as well as candidate Carrie Kourkoumelis. Incumbents Don Lehman and Joe Spinale and candidate Scott Conway declined to participate, citing the heated rhetoric on the Tab and Melrose Messages, where Melrose Cares founder Patricia Wright often posts.
But LaRock looks forward to appearing live in front of voters.
“I see some value in a forum where the public can see us up close and in person,” he said. “That ultimately was a deciding factor for me.”
The local chapter of the League of Women Voters will film debates for local candidates in contested wards on Oct. 21. They will air repeatedly on MMTV, the city’s cable access channel.
Voters go to the polls on Nov. 3.