The five candidates running for mayor in the Fall River Special Recall Election took part in the first organized debate last night at Morton Middle School. Among the issues brought out during the two-hour debate: trust, fiscal responsibility, absentee rates among public school students, and confronting crime.
All five (5) candidates were in attendance: City Councilor Joe Camara; School Committeeman Paul Coogan; Incumbent Mayor Jasiel Correia II; former city councilor and school committeeman Kyle Riley; and political newcomer, Erica Scott-Pacheco (pictured left to right in photo).
The challengers focused on why the recall was initiated: the thirteen (13) federal indictments lodged against Mayor Correia; charges he insists are false. The mayor reiterated that he will be vindicated of all charges when the truth plays out in federal court.
“I haven’t done anything wrong in my role as mayor,” Correia said last night while touting his achievements over his three years in office, including the end of the pay-as-you-throw purple trash bag program, and reducing fees for city residents.
Mr. Camara stated that while he has been a staunch supporter of the mayor, that support eroded when Correia was arrested in October of 2018. He was quick to say that he was the most qualified candidate for the position, in part, because of his 23 years he served on the council, and his experience working with different administrations on a number city issues, most notably, fiscal matters over that time.
Mr. Coogan said that while he and the mayor presently work well together as school committee colleagues, as head of that committee Correia has not been present at every meeting, adding that if he (Coogan) is elected mayor that will not be the case. “I will attend every meeting as long as my health allows,” he promised, adding he will also be approachable and open-minded when it comes to making decisions regarding changes within the school system.
Mr. Riley promised that he would add more police to fight crime in the city, promising to use revenue from marijuana sales to make that possible, while Correia countered that the media is wrong reporting that crime has increased, saying that is not the case.
Ms. Scott-Pacheco said that if elected she would fire Correia’s two top team members: City Administrator Cathy Ann Viveiros and CFO Mary Sahady.
Last night’s debate was sponsored by the Herald News in partnership with FRCMedia, FRGTV, and WSAR.
The candidates will assemble for another debate Thursday at 6:30 p.m. as the Fall River Reporter sponsors a debate to be held in the FRCMedia studio. The event will be closed to the public and air live on Channel 95 and the FRCMedia Facebook page.
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