Left In Lowell

I was a little late this year with LiL’s contribution to the political discussion vis a vis the local race, so my apologies to the candidates who weren’t able to make it, but I have 8 interviews with incumbents and challengers. Right now they are running on LTC, four episodes of a 1/2 hour each, where two candidates each got 13 minutes (some went shorter) to talk about their candidacy. I stuck with Council candidates due to time constraints (video takes a lot of time to edit and produce). Thanks to fellow blogger Jack for helping out, as well as Cindy, my cameraperson!

The format for the interviews was a lot different this year. Because we had so many good forums, and other candidate venues, I wanted to do something a little looser, a little more freewheeling, and a little more candidate-driven. I’m not the best interviewer in the world and I hate being in front of the camera, but this sit-down style afforded me the ability to guide the conversation without being too specific. There is an introduction section, and four topics - Budget and Finances, Economics and Jobs, Public Services, and Professional City Management. Within each subject I had some suggested topics (which helps when you want to compare candidates) but allowed them to talk about whatever they wanted, unless they were under time, in which case I asked a few questions.

The first two episodes (candidates appear in the order they came to the studio) are uploaded, and I will upload the rest very shortly and will post. Enjoy! (Hopefully I can post these iframes…)

Don’t forget to vote TUESDAY! I will probably post more thoughts over the weekend.

LeftinLowell.com Candidate Interviews - Mayor Jim Milinazzo and challenger Van Pech

LeftinLowell.com Candidate Interviews - Marty Lorrey and Corey Belanger

LeftinLowell.com Candidate Interviews - Mendonca and Belley

LeftinLowell.com Candidate Interviews - Murphy and Nuon