Council Candidates Commiserate at Rowdy Election Forum

A passionately rowdy, occasionally rude crowd crammed into Chan's Tuesday for Candidates Night, featuring near-universal condemnation of the Budget Commission.

Council candidates were given an introductory statement and time to answer one question. Incumbents and challengers were asked separate questions. Members of the crowd often cut into candidates' time with cheers, jeers or applause, and were chided by moderator Jeff Gamache several times. 

During a reading of John Ward's written statement, provided by the council president in lieu of his attendance, members of the crowd interrupted as Gamache read on Ward's behalf. "Time's up!" called one person, quickly followed by a chorus of similar protests. In fact, Timekeeper Bill Bryda noted Ward's time was not up, and Gamache finished up his allotted minutes. "I'll remind the audience to please keep the comments down," Gamache said, "You are not watching at home."

Several candidates shared a dim view of the Budget Commission's actions during the last year, the first of five the city will endure since the failure of the Supplemental Tax Bill in 2012, quickly followed by the City Council's vote to request the Commission. 

"As far as I can tell, that is not something we should have sought," said Councilman Albert Brien, who voted against asking in the Budget Commission. 

Councilman Dan Gendron reminded the crowd the Council had little choice if it wanted to keep the schools running, with the School Department deficit looming and a supplemental tax defeated. "I took this difficult vote and I kept the school system open and the children learning," Gendron said.

"I was under the impression that the Budget Commission would be working with the Council," said Councilman Marc Dubois. Instead, the body doesn't allow residents or council members to speak during meetings, and holds its own meetings during the day. "I am deeply sorry for that vote, I'll tell you," Dubois said.

Melissa Murray, a council challenger, said the city should look into whether it should keep the Budget Commission.

"I think we need, somehow, to take over the Budget Commission," said Council candidate Kathryn M. Dumais. 

Council challenger Jeffrey Belknap said anyone with common sense could see the Budget Commission wouldn't let the city go into bankruptcy, in apparent support for the idea.

Anita McGuire-Forcier, Woonsocket School Committee member and council challenger, said the Budget Commission, and its ability to grant a $12 million cash advance, was necessary to keep the schools running. "Without a Budget Commission, we would not have gotten a cash advancement," she said.

"I'm proud to say I voted against the Budget Commission," said Councilman Roger Jalette, who complained the panel wouldn't take people's ability to pay into account during their decisions.

Check back for further coverage from Tuesday night's Candidates Night, including more from the Council Candidates and the Mayoral Candidates.