Council candidates square off Tuesday

The candidates running for City Council have been quiet lately. Likely they’ve been sharpening their rhetorical blades for the political pit fight coming up this Tuesday, July 24.

Ok, so there will likely be little bloodshed, metaphorical or otherwise. I’d guess it’ll be a fairly tame affair, especially with the Chamber of Commerce’s director hitting the would-be politicians with nerfish salvos. (However, you can expect the Chamber to drill the candidates on the Ericksen-Hildebrand road connection issue).

Turnout to this debate anyhow. It could be your only chance to see the candidates before the primary. Ballots are poised now for mass mailing.

The first bout is for the central ward, where Bill Knobloch hopes to defend his place on the council. He’s facing the wily John Waldo, ‘lil Lauren Ellis and jack-of-all-whosiswhats CarolAnn Barrows.

Then it’s the south ward fight, with road warrior Curt Winston, admiral anti-affordable housing Robert Dashiell and wetland watcher Kim Brackett.

The rest, including north warders Matt Van Winkle and Hilary Franz will sit this one out since their big face-off isn’t until the general election in November.

Meanwhile, Barry Peters, who is running unopposed for the all-island position, is getting his posterior measured for a custom tailored council seat.

The show starts at 7 at the Senior Center on Bjune Street near Waterfront Park.