Progressive Democrats Grill School Committee Candidates Tuesday

The Progressive Democrats of Somerville are holding a forum Tuesday for Somerville School Committee candidates.

Somerville's 2013 municipal election season is gearing up to be an exciting one, with eight contested local elections for Board of Aldermen and School Committee. In contrast, in 2011 there were just four contested elections, including the race for the city's four at-large seats on the Board of Aldermen.

In the race for School Committee, there are contested elections in wards 1, 2 and 5. In Ward 7, newcomer Carrie Normand is running unopposed.

Tuesday's forum is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Kesher Center at 13 Garden Court, behind the hockey rink on Somerville Avenue.

According to the Progressive Democrats' website, eight of the 11 candidates responded to the group's questionnaire. Three candidates declined to respond.

The forum is a good opportunity to see and hear the candidates all in one place. In 2011, the Progressive Democrats made endorsements after questioning candidates at the forum.

A similar forum for Board of Aldermen candidates will be held on July 23, the Progressive Democrats' website says.

Read more about the forum here.

See who's running for office in Somerville here.