Fogarty, Fung spar over holding mayoral debates

Democratic mayoral candidate Cynthia M. Fogarty has scheduled a candidate forum from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Sept. 10 at the Cranston Public Library on Sockanosset Cross Road.

But she’ll be the only candidate there.

Fogarty said she tried to schedule a debate with her rival, Republican Allan W. Fung, but was rebuffed. Fung, she suggested, is hoping to coast into office without much of a fight.

Gary Vierra, a spokesman for Fung, said, “Allan is not afraid to debate.”

Indeed, he said, Fung is looking forward to debating his opponent.

But Vierra said the Fogarty campaign set up the Sept. 10 event without consulting Fung headquarters.

“They unilaterally schedule things, set a date, and call us and say ‘Be there,’ ” Vierra said.

Fogarty said the League of Women Voters and the Cranston Herald newspaper have contacted her campaign about sponsoring debates. The tentative date for the Herald debate is Oct. 21.

Vierra said the Fung campaign has not heard from either of the potential debate sponsors, but is prepared to schedule debates with both.

Barone endorses Carr

Republican Councilman Jeffrey P. Barone, who is not running for reelection, has endorsed independent James E. Carr to succeed him in the Ward 6 seat.

Barone said in a statement that Carr would bring “valuable skills and passion to local government.”

And he emphasized that Carr, as an independent, would be unfettered by party ties.

“I am extremely proud not only to receive the endorsement of Councilman Barone but equally proud knowing that a dedicated public servant such as Councilman Barone served as my councilman for the last four years,” Carr said, in a statement.

Carr will vie in November with independents Rachel M. McNally and Albert O. Melikian Jr. and Democrat Michelle Bergin-Andrews.

McNally raises $3,000

McNally, one of four contenders for the Ward 6 council seat, said she raised nearly $3,000 at an Aug. 21 fundraiser.

McNally, who was active in the fight last year to defeat a big-box development proposed for the Mulligan’s Island golf complex, has the backing of the Republican City Committee.

— DAVID SCHARFENBERG