The roles of the Fuller School property and the I-4, C-2 site in shaping Gloucester’s economic future — and the best means of budgeting for infrastructure and maintenance needs — weren’t specifically cited but they spotlighted clear differences among the city’s mayoral candidates during a Tuesday morning debate.

Interim Mayor Sefatia Romeo Theken, City Council President Paul McGeary, Councilor-at-Large Greg Verga and Francisco Sclafani outlined their views on the city’s economic future, education concerns and other topics at the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce debate at the Elks at Bass Rocks, moderated by Governor’s Council member Eileen Duff of Gloucester. Daniel Ruberti, who is also on the ballot, did not attend.

Responding to Duff’s opening question about a vision of the city’s economy for its 400th anniversary in 2023, McGeary noted the need to diversify the city’s commercial tax base, with an eye toward bringing in businesses, new jobs and easing the tax burden on residents as a result.

Read the full article on the Gloucester Daily Times.