Brockton's Race For Mayor: What You Need To Know

BROCKTON, MA — Lifelong city residents Jimmy Pereira and Robert Sullivan are competing for the mayor's seat in Tuesday's election. Here is what you need to know about the candidates.

Sullivan has served 14 years as a city councilor for Brockton. He works as an attorney with a law degree from New England School of Law and an MBA from Boston College.

Pereira is a regional planner with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. He has a bachelor's degree in urban and regional planning, with a concentration in ethnic and gender studies.

During a candidates' forum last week, Pereira said he ran for mayor out of a sense of urgency. He said he would like to represent those who have felt left out.

"We have a chance on Nov. 5 to make history, to make real change," said Pereira.

Sullivan, currently serving as a councilor at-large, pointed to his experience in representing the people of Brockton, in all wards. He also pointed to his experience working with budgets and negotiating collective bargaining contracts.

"I believe I have the skills, the leadership and the experience on day one to be an effective, proactive, inclusive mayor," said Sullivan at the Oct. 28 forum, hosted by WATD.

Both candidates said they would like to address cultural and economic issues in Brockton. In addition, both said they would work to improve community relationships with the local police, promoting officers talking to community members face-to-face.

Sullivan and Pereira both said they would support a new public safety complex that would combine the Police and Fire departments. Pereira said he also supports a campus-style building that would offer services for people who are homeless, struggling with substance abuse or need help finding a job.

On economic development, Sullivan pointed to the City Council's ability in recent years to bring investment into the city. Pereira said that city officials needs to market Brockton and create a stronger identity.

Both are running for the seat held by Mayor Moises Rodrigues, who had been appointed to the seat in a special vote by the City Council after the death of then-Mayor Bill Carpenter. Rodrigues is not running in this year's mayoral race.

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Polling locations are available through the city's website.