FRCMedia, FRGTV, and WSAR Radio collaborated on a mayoral debate last night held at the Blessed Trinity Parish Hall on Plymouth Avenue. Incumbent Mayor Paul Coogan and City Council President Cliff Ponte shared with voters how they will govern over the next two years.
Watch the entire mayoral debate on our Election 2021 page.
On public safety, both candidates believe more police on the street will be a priority; with Mayor Coogan also focusing on providing other tools for officers.
Councilor Ponte’s plan is to increase the number of patrols by re-organizing the department
Both candidates also agree that implementing a free universal Pre-K program will benefit parents and students. Councilor Ponte feels the mayor has dropped the ball on implementing the program during his first term.
The mayor said plans for Pre-K are moving forward, but the circumstances of the last 18 months have made implementation difficult.
The budget was also a major topic for the candidates during the debate. Councilor Ponte says the mayor does not have a plan to curb a budget deficit for this year and next, but he does.
May Coogan says he does have a budget plan, and that Councilor Ponte’s actions have shown he is not as frugal as he claims.
Both candidates see opportunities to expand economic development across Fall River. Mayor Coogan is looking to opportunities within emerging industries such as offshore wind and biomedical expansion in the industrial park.
Councilor Ponte’s plan includes expanding economic development opportunities across all areas of the city.
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