Boston mayoral candidates John Barros, Dan Conley, and Charlotte Golar Richie participated in a Boston.com “Lab Debate” at 1 p.m., Wednesday.
The candidates spoke for approximately 40 minutes about “Diversity in Boston.”
Two moderators asked the candidates to discuss several topics, including:
– Diversity within the Boston Fire Department
– Segregation in Boston firehouses
– Their stances on an independent review of the marathon bombings
– Their marketing intentions
– Football in public schools
– Their visions for housing development
– And administration diversity in the Boston Police Department
Additionally, each candidate had one question directed specifically towards them.
Richie was asked about her decision to support a Suffolk Downs casino. Dan Conley was asked about small business bidding rights. And John Barros was asked to describe how he would hold corporate business accountable.
Today’s debate followed the same format as yesterday’s, which focused on “Boston as a College Town.” Candidates did not have to fight for airtime and the atmosphere was conversational, rather than argumentative.
As an observer, this format is successful, insofar as it allows potential voters to clearly hear the candidate’s opinions. Not only is this easier on the ears, but, more importantly, it prevents (to an extent) candidates from sticking to basic talking points. The only negative is that it is damn near impossible not to like each candidate.
I know that sounds borderline ridiculous, but, as of now, there are still 12 candidates in the race. Today, Barros, Conley and Golar Richie came across as teammates, rather than competitors. This isn’t necessarily “bad.” It will just make it that much tougher when it comes time to vote.
Tomorrow’s debate regarding “Arts and Culture In Boston” will stream on Boston.com at 3 p.m. ET. Candidates Charles Clemons Jr., Rob Consalvo, John Connolly, and Mike Ross are scheduled to participate.
Below are tweets from today’s debate:
Boston Comment (@BostonComment)
Should we be forcing English immersion on students? #labdebates
— Boston Comment (@BostonComment) September 11, 2013
Question: How do you keep pledge to diversify Boston fire dept when state law mandates disabled veterans get hiring priority? #labdebates — Wesley Lowery (@WesleyLowery) September 11, 2013
Independent review of marathon bombings response? All three say yes. #labdebates — Boston Comment (@BostonComment) September 11, 2013
Would you put your name on everything as mayor: @JohnFBarros NO. @DanFConley NO. @Charlotte4Mayor Probably? maybe? perhaps? #labdebates — Boston Comment (@BostonComment) September 11, 2013
John Barros (@JohnFBarros)
.@JohnFBarros: we shouldn’t be worried about offending the union in order to increase diversity #labdebates — Peter Ubertaccio (@ProfessorU) September 11, 2013
@JohnFBarross good on corporate greed, but not sure what #bosmayor can do about it. #labdebates — Peter Kadzis (@Kadzis) September 11, 2013
Dan Conley (@DanFConley)
Conley: DA office isn’t encumbered by civil service exam/rules. He personally recruits people of color at law schools. #labdebates
— Akilah Johnson (@akjohnson1922) September 11, 2013
“It’s not a one-size-fits-all approach,” says @DanFConley about English immersion. #labdebates
— alex pearlman (@lexikon1) September 11, 2013
Charlotte Golar Richie (@Charlotte4mayor)
I COMPLETELY agree with that.:-) @JoannaWeiss: BPS students shouldn’t lose their native tongue – @Charlotte4Mayor #LabDebates #bosmayor — Ms. Nadia (@GenuineLayD) September 11, 2013
Golar Richie says her ego isn’t so large that she would need her name on everything in the way Menino’s name is. #bosmayor #labdebates
— Garrett Quinn (@GarrettQuinn) September 11, 2013
If you want to get involved, watch the debate and make your voice heard on Twitter. As always, include #LabDebates
