Red Sox and Use of City Hall to Blame for Debate Snafu

To clarify the facts of the proposed debate between Mayoral Candidates. Mike Kirby (editor of The Sun Chronicle) and myself have been communicating for sometime about the Mayoral debate being sponsored by the and the United Regional Chamber of Commerce. Historically, the Sun Chronicle and the Chamber of Commerce have co-sponsored a Mayoral debate for many, many years.

When the original discussions started about a date for the debate, the concern was if the Red Sox made it to the playoffs and we scheduled the debate for a night that they scheduled one of the playoff games, we would not have many people attend or watch the debate.

When the Red Sox did not make the playoffs, I started the process of reserving the City Council Chamber for the debate. I stopped by the City Council office to check availability and (City Council Administrator)Linda Alger was in a meeting so I left a note on her desk asking to schedule the Council Chambers, she promptly emailed me to let me know what dates were available and that I had to speak to (Attleboro City Council President) Frank Cook before I could reserve the room.

I did not know that to use the City Council Chamber I needed the President of the City Council, Frank Cook’s permission(As stated in the rules governing the use of the Chambers).

I met with Councilor Cook last night before the City Council meeting, he agreed to the use of the Council Chambers for the debate and we went together and checked the calendar. Wednesday, Oct. 12 was the next available time the Council Chamber was available and I told him I would contact both candidates to make sure that they were available on the October 12. He asked me to send a written request to him via Linda Alger, I said as soon as I got confirmation from both candidates I would send him the requested email.

I have a phone call into Mr. Churchill and I went to the Mayor's office this morning to ask if he would be available. The Mayor was not in his office and Vicki Nason said she would give him the message when he came in.

Jack Lank

President, United Regional Chamber of Commerce