AUBURN – Local politics got an early start Tuesday night as 12 candidates for top city offices met in an open forum.

The forum was hosted by the Auburn Democratic Committee, but was designed to be non-partisan.

“We wanted to do this because there has been a lot of interest in local offices this year, and we thought this would be a good way to introduce these people to the community,” said moderator Ed Desgrosseilliers.

Attending Tuesday were:

• Mayoral candidates Tammie Grieshaber and John Jenkins

• City Council at-large candidates Bob Mennealy, Ron Potvin and John T. Spruil.

• Dick Gleason, seeking the Ward 1 City Council seat.

• Incumbent Ward 2 Councilor Robert Hayes and opponent Jodd Bowles.

• Incumbent Ward 3 Councilor Eric Samson and opponent Dan Herrick.

• Ward 4 Council candidate Anna Camire.

• Incumbent Ward 5 Councilor Belinda Gerry.

The ballot is still not set for this November’s election. Candidates have until Aug. 24 to pick up petitions, get signatures and file them with the City Clerk’s Office. Candidates for the mayor’s job each need to collect 100 signatures. Candidates for the City Council and School Committee each need to collect 25 signatures.

Auburn’s municipal election is scheduled for Nov. 7.

Desgrosseilliers said it was important to invite everyone, regardless of their party affiliation.

“It’s important we talk across party lines,” Desgrosseilliers said. “I think having a diversity of opinions and a union of purpose is what makes this country strong.”

The Democratic crowd agreed and applauded most candidates politely. They did heckle Republican Gleason for his not supporting raising the minimum wage.

Most of the discussion stayed away from national and partisan issues, however. Candidates took the opportunity to introduce themselves.

School committee spare

Degrosseillers called for more people to run for Auburn School Committee. So far, only three people have taken out petitions for a school committee seat. Incumbents David Das is seeking to return to his Ward 5 seat. Ross Leavitt is seeking one of at-large seats and Lane Feldman is seeking the Ward 1 school committee seat.

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