Candidates Rip on Each Other's Word Choices

This morning at the Seekonk Public Library could be the first opportunity for voters to see all the candidates in next month's election sharing the same stage. A TV9 debate earlier this month was supposed to feature all three selectmen candidates, but incumbent Francis Cavaco failed to show because of an alleged bias by the organizer. While they haven't attended the same forum, Cavaco and challenger Mike Brady have exchanged words through the media.

At last week's meeting about the controversial Town Meeting date, Cavaco made a statement that irked Brady. Angry that the meeting could be further delayed because two selectmen objected to how the date was being changed, Cavaco said the most important item on warrant was the school district's request for funding to improve emergency personnel communications in the schools. He said further delays could put children in danger.

"If we keep on postponing, pussyfooting around with the date, we are putting the children's lives in danger ... I'm sorry for bringing this out because this may ... give an invitation to those who have mental issues ... to attack the schools," Cavaco said.

Brady, who has a child in the Seekonk school district and is a police officer in Rehoboth, called Cavaco's statement "nothing but fear-mongering at its worst."

"I have the utmost faith and confidence in our top police and school officials," wrote Brady in a press release shortly after the meeting. "I personally know that there is no place in our country, or the world for that matter, that is completely safe. But I also know that Chief Ronald Charron, Capt. (soon to be Chief) Craig Mace and Interim-Superintendent Arlene Bosco will do everything possible to keep the students and the staff of the schools safe and secure. [Cavaco's] conduct, in my opinion, shows a clear lack of responsible leadership."

When asked about Brady's statement, Cavaco did not back down.

"Two selectman chose to play politics and tried to convince the board to postpone the special town meeting once again until after the town election," wrote Cavaco in an email to Seekonk Patch. "I was upset at the fact that they would jeopardize school safety for their own political interests. It's obvious Mr. Brady shares their opinion."

He added, "Every selectman knows that after private consultation with the school department that the need is serious and that time is of the essence."

After hearing about Cavaco's response, Brady issued another statement, "My only reply is that unlike Mr. Cavaco I have a child in the school system. It was he who used this opportunity to grandstand and make ridiculous public statements. I, on the other hand, have full faith and confidence in the people who run our schools and public safety to do everything possible to keep my son and his friends safe.  It was the Chairman who made this political and tried to use emotions rather than logic and common sense."

While two of the candidates have had exchanges, candidate Paul Buckley has declined to get involved. He would not comment on either the TV9 matter or Cavaco's statment at last week's meeting.

The candidates forum hosted by the Seekonk Republican Town Committee will begin at the library at 10 a.m. All candidates in the selectmen, school committee and water commission races are invited to speak. The public is invited to listen and ask questions.