Groups Squabble Over Salem Candidates Forum

SALEM, MA — The League of Women Voters-Salem canceled its candidates forum for the Ward 4 City Council race, saying that City Councilor Tim Flynn backed out. In a statement the league said it has re-invited Flynn and his challenger, Michael Cusick, to participate in a rescheduled forum. The candidates have until 4 p.m. Tuesday to respond to the offer.

"We were forced to cancel our forum because we cannot hold a forum when there are two candidates and one reneges on their commitment t participate," the League said in a statement released Saturday.

On Monday, Flynn said he would not participate in the League forum scheduled for Oct. 17. He had been under the assumption the two groups were working together on a single forum when he initially agreed to participate in the League's forum.

"At the September Gallows Hill Ward 4 meeting the group was not aware that the League of Women Voters had gone ahead and scheduled a forum and venue. I found this to be extremely disrespectful," Flynn said in an email. "I also do not feel we need to do two forums in two days. I decided to do the Gallows Hill Ward 4 forum which is on October 15th at the AOH beginning at 7p.m. I will not be at the League of women voters forum on October 17th."

The League released a detailed statement Saturday, including emails from Flynn where he said he felt the two forums were too close together.

"I do not feel we should hold two forums in three days so I suggest we honor the neighborhood group that as been holding these events," Flynn wrote.

Flynn later said on Facebook that he thought the two groups were working together to choose one date and that he did not like the way the League dealt with the neighborhood group. "This is my opinion. I wish they could have worked together to find one date to work together on a forum. Again, I will say I don't think the LMV handled this correctly with the Gallows Hill Ward 4 Group," Flynn said.