Salem Mayoral Candidates to Debate

Salem Mayor Janet Taylor speaking at a Salem air show in 2004. She will debate challenger Jim Alderson Friday Photo By: Tim King

(SALEM) - The two candidates vying to become Salem`s next mayor, will square-off during a debate Friday, March 24th in Salem.

Current Mayor Janet Taylor and her challenger, Jim Alderson, will debate the city`s future during the Salem City Club`s Luncheon at the Red Lion Inn from noon to 1:00 PM.

The Luncheon costs $12.50 for members and 15.50 for non-members.

Taylor is seeking a third term as Mayor, and cited a number of successes during the three years she already has served: the completion of the Salem Conference Center, the development of Mill Creek Industrial Park, the construction of the State Lands Ballfield, four new neighborhood parks, and the hiring of 10 new Salem police officers.

Alderson is a licensed clinical social worker from West Salem.

He said he believes the city has to be a great place to live in as well as a great place to work or to have a business.