Incumbent Mayor Paul Coogan and former Mayor and Bristol County District Attorney Sam Sutter squared off in a Mayoral Debate last night hosted by FRCMedia.
You can watch a replay of the debate on Channel 95 as well as on our FRCMedia Election 2023 webpage.
Both candidates come into the race with the rare advantage of being able to tout achievements as mayor in the past. One example was business development. Former Mayor Sutter pointed to his leadership on two major projects, one in the industrial park and the other in the south end.
Mayor Coogan said the Amazon and SouthCoast Marketplace projects were initiated by former Mayor Will Flanagan. He went on to promote the growth of commercial business across Fall River during his two terms in office.
Both candidates came to the debate with differing views on the severity of crime in Fall River. Former Mayor Sutter proclaimed he did a better job as district attorney curbing city crime than Mayor Coogan has over the last four years.
Mayor Coogan brought with him statistics that painted a different picture.
Former Mayor Sutter went on to accuse Mayor Coogan of not doing enough to curb gun violence in the city.
Mayor Coogan responded that the city has made advances in curbing gun violence without what he feels is flawed technology.
Both candidates feel they have a better plan to deal with the city’s homelessness problem.
When it comes to affordable housing, Mayor Coogan says adding housing regardless of cost will eventually bring down rents.
Former Mayor Sutter says the city has enough market-rate housing and the focus needs to shift toward lowering rents.
With the sale of the Bank Street Armory for market-rate and affordable housing still before the city council, former Mayor Sutter believes the historic building should be restored to its previously intended use.
Mayor Coogan responded by saying refurbishing the armory is not financially viable for the city to maintain.
On a personal level, both candidates accused the other of not being visible within the community while not in office.
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