22News local debate schedule

CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) - 22News is working for you this election season to help you make informed decisions about your political leaders. On 22News at 12:30 P.M., we will host a series of debates among candidates for the Massachusetts Legislature.

Here is the schedule for the debates:

Friday, October 26: 2nd Hampden District Debate- Longmeadow Democratic State Rep. Brian Ashe debates Republican challenger Marie Angelides, a Longmeadow Select Board Member. The 2nd Hampden District covers all of the towns of Hampden, Monson, and Longmeadow, and most of East Longmeadow.

Monday, October 29: 12th Hampden District Debate- Three-term State Rep. Angelo Puppolo (D-Springfield) debates Republican John McCarthy of Wilbraham, the chairman of the Hampden-Wilbraham Regional School Committee. The 12th Hampden includes all of Wilbraham, and parts of Sixteen Acres, Forest Park, and East Forest Park, as well as the northern part of East Longmeadow.

Tuesday, October 30: 2nd Franklin District Debate- First-term Democratic State Rep. Denise Andrews of Orange is in a three-way race for re-election. She will debate Republican Susannah Whipps Lee, a Selectwoman from Athol. Independent candidate Rich Schober of Templeton was unable to make it to the debate. The 2nd Franklin incorporates much of eastern Franklin County, as well as five towns in northwestern Worcester County, and a single precinct in Belchertown, located in Hampshire County.

Wednesday, October 31: 5th Hampden District Debate- Democrat Aaron Vega, a Holyoke City Councilor will debate fellow City Councilor Linda Vacon, a Republican, as well as Independent Jerry Hobert. The district, an open seat, incorporates all of Holyoke.

Thursday, November 1: 6th Hampden District Debate- First-term Democratic State Rep. Michael Finn will debate Independent Lincoln Blackie. Both men are from West Springfield. The 6th Hampden includes all of the Town of West Springfield, as well as small parts of Chicopee and the Liberty Heights section of Springfield.

Friday, November 2: 3rd Hampden District Debate- First-term incumbent Rep. Nicholas Boldyga, a Republican from Southwick, is facing a challenge from Agawam Democrat Sam DiSanti. The district includes all of the towns of Agawam, Southwick, and Granville.

On Sunday, November 4, a special edition of 22News InFocus will deal with two of the questions on the November ballot: physician-assisted suicide and medical marijuana. The hour-long special will air at Noon.