County, State Candidates to Appear at Forums Oct. 18

The League of Women Voters of Greater Haverhill also sponsored last year’s muncipal forum at Haverhill High School.

Candidates for the contested races of Essex County sheriff, governor’s council and 15th Essex state representative will answer questions at a candidates’ forum Tuesday, Oct. 18.

The forum is sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Greater Haverhill and begins at 6 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 18, at Haverhill High School library.

Candidates for sheriff expected to participate are Lynn Democrat Kevin F. Coppinger and independents Mark E. Archer, of Bedford and formerly of Lynn, and Kevin Leach of Manchester-by-the-Sea. Republican Anne M. Manning-Martin of Peabody has a schedule conflict and is not expected to attend.

Incumbent Fifth District Governor’s Councilor Eileen R. Duff, a Gloucester Democrat, and West Newbury Republican Richard Baker, are also expected to appear and answer questions about their candidacies.

In the 15th Essex state representative race, incumbent Methuen Rep. Linda Dean Campbell and Methuen independent Nicholas Torresi will also participate in the forum. The district covers a portion of Haverhill.

Questions for all candidates will come the audience and participating Haverhill High School students, said Carole Pelchat, organizer for the League of Women Voters of Greater Haverhill.

During the same night, the Valley Patriot newspaper is hosting a debate at North Andover High School. Candidates for governor’s council will debate between 5 and 6 p.m. and sheriff’s candidates will appear between 7:30 and 9 p.m., said Publisher Tom Duggan.

Participants will shuttle between the two events.