Video: Boston Mayoral Candidates Square Off In First Debate
BOSTON (CBS) - City Councilor John Connolly and State Representative Marty Walsh squared off in the first of three live televised mayoral debates on Tuesday in the WBZ studios.
The debate was moderated by WBZ political analyst Jon Keller with questions from Boston Globe reporter Akilah Johnson.
Mayor Tom Menino announced earlier this year he would not seek another term after more than two decades in office.
The election is scheduled for Tuesday November 5.
John Connolly of West Roxbury has been an at-large member of the Boston City Council since 2008. Marty Walsh of Dorchester has been a State Rep. since 1997.
Connolly says working as a teacher makes him a unique candidate. "What I hope to bring as mayor is my experience as a former teacher, going into the classroom every day for three years working with children facing a daunting achievement gap. That experience stays with you," Connolly said. "You take all of those students' hopes and dreams with you every day to City Hall and I hope to do the same as mayor."
Walsh says his experience on Beacon Hill sets him apart. "I have actually had a vote to transform public education, to give the superintendent and the school department the tools they need to turn around under-performing schools," Walsh said. "Also when it comes to economic development, I have actually worked to pass legislation to bring the life science biotech industry here to Massachusetts."
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