Special to the Transcript
The Winthrop Republican Town Committee is pleased to once again host Meet the Candidates Night on Thursday October 9 starting at 6:30 pm in the Robert A. DeLeo Senior Center, 35 Harvard Street. This nonpartisan, informational forum will feature all candidates for local office appearing on the November 4th ballot. All candidates will be treated equally, and the event is designed to provide voters with the opportunity to hear directly from those seeking office.
The Winthrop Republican Town Committee first presented this event 2017, and it was the idea of former WRTC committee member and former Winthrop Selectman Marty O’Brien. It has grown into a Winthrop tradition and has provided insight and guidance into local voting decisions. Frequently it has been moderated by WBZ television Investigative Reporter Cheryl Fiandaca.
Committee Chairman Paul Caruccio stated, “The Republican Committee has always been focused on what is best for our community. We believe this event helps inform the community. Our belief is that an informed community results in stronger leaders and a brighter future.”
The evening will be structured to allow candidates to effectively communicate their message and provide a fair opportunity for each candidate while informing voters. The event will be run on WCAT and posted to YouTube, but the Committee hopes the community will attend in person at the Senior Center on Thursday October 9: doors open at 6:00 pm for the event and it starts at 6:30pm.
Candidates Night
Format:
• Town Council Candidates
• Each candidate will be asked the same two to three questions, provided several days in advance.
• Candidates will have one minute to respond to each question.
• Following the Q&A, each candidate will have up to three minutes for an open statement about their candidacy and qualifications.
• School Committee Candidates (including Council President candidates)
• Each candidate will be asked two questions, with one minute to respond to each.
• Following the Q&A, each candidate will have up to two minutes for an open statement.
• Housing Authority and Library Trustee Candidates
• Due to time constraints, these candidates will not participate in a Q&A.
• Each candidate will have two to three minutes for an open statement about their candidacy and qualifications.