Connie McCarter, who is challenging incumbent Mayor Josh Roman in Lakeland’s upcoming mayoral election, will not participate in tonight’s mayoral debate and candidate forum. Hosted by the Community Advisory Board, the event was intended to give residents an opportunity to hear directly from both candidates ahead of Lakeland’s first contested mayoral race since 2018. The forum is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. in the Lakeland Preparatory School Middle School Cafetorium. Mayor Roman said he still plans to attend to answer questions.
In a statement, McCarter explained her decision, saying, “After consulting with my campaign team, I have decided that it is not in my best interest to participate in tonight’s October 19th Lakeland Mayoral Debate and Candidate Forum. I have debated Mayor Roman for four years and our views on how Lakeland should run are well documented.”
McCarter also declined to answer questions submitted by The Lakeland Banner last week as part of its candidate Q&A series. Mayor Roman provided responses last week, and his answers have been published to help residents better understand his perspectives and plans for the city. The absence of McCarter from both the debate and the Banner’s candidate Q&A means voters will not have the opportunity to compare responses from both candidates through these two forums ahead of the election.
