EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — The two candidates running for mayor of Woonsocket squared off Friday in a debate hosted by 12 News.

Incumbent Mayor Christopher Beauchamp and City Council President John Ward were mostly cordial while debating topics such as housing, debts the city must pay, former Mayor Lisa Baldelli-Hunt’s resignation and more.

The 30-minute, commercial-free debate was moderated by Target 12 Chief Investigative Reporter Tim White and 12 News Politics Editor Ted Nesi . The candidate who wins in November will serve a two-year term as chief executive.

When asked about criticisms he’s faced over his relationship with Baldelli-Hunt, the mayor said “she is not part of my campaign” and they haven’t spoken “in over four months.”

“There are some things that I have transitioned from her administration and those are good things,” Beauchamp said. “Albeit the public safety complex, the athletic complex, those are the things that she had started that we’re continuing.”

Ward, who is one of those critics, said the accomplishments Beauchamp mentioned “have an underpinning that comes out of that, what I consider corrupt practice related to the land deal.” He was referring to Baldelli-Hunt’s controversial decision to use city money to purchase land from an associate, which surfaced shortly before her resignation.

Ward also said Beauchamp “retained a couple of people” who were part of keeping the land deal secret.

Beauchamp responded that both of those people “no longer work” in his administration, firing the former finance director on his second day as mayor.

During a portion of the debate focusing on Woonsocket’s debts — including benefits promised to retirees and outstanding bond payments — both candidates said they are opposed to filing for bankruptcy. Woonsocket spends the lowest share of municipal revenue on its schools in Rhode Island.

“It is a terrible burden we have to bear,” Ward said. “But I have personally acted to try to keep increasing local education funding in every year that I’ve been on the City Council.” Ward added there should be changes in the education funding formula by the General Assembly.

Beauchamp said the city’s schools “got a small bump” last year, while also saying changes must be made to the state’s education funding formula.

On the topic of building more housing, Ward explained there is room for “redevelopment of some properties” as opposed to new development due to limited open land.

“I think it relies on state funding,” Ward said. “And it’s gonna rely on the state to really assist us in a way because we have become something of a hub for social services and it’s bringing more and more people who are seeking affordable housing.”

Beauchamp emphasized “there’s a housing crisis” throughout the country.

“Affordable housing, we have enough of it I believe,” Beauchamp said. “We need to have other types of housing.” Beauchamp also highlighted developments happening on Main Street.

A question on the ballot this fall asking city voters if the mayors should serve a maximum of two four-year terms, rather than unlimited two-year terms, has support from both candidates. If approved, the change would take effect in the 2026 election.

Both candidates were also asked who they are voting for in the race for president. Beauchamp, a Democrat, said Vice President Kamala Harris. Ward, who is unaffiliated, said he’s undecided because he’s “uncomfortable with the candidates” on the ballot.

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Nesi's Notes

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