Below is a screenshot of the Press Release which was planned before Kimberly Blake canceled her participation in a Mayoral Debate scheduled for Monday October 21, 2025 from 6-7pm at Perry Auditorium.
Blake Bows Out of Mayoral Debate After Agreeing to it Weeks Ago
Gardner Magazine has learned that the Greater Gardner Chamber of Commerce received commitments to participate in a Mayoral debate weeks ago from Incumbent Mayor Michael Nicholson and Challenger Kimberly Blake. However, just as the Chamber was going to put out a Press Release this morning on Columbus Day, Chamber President Rebecca Marois informed us that Blake has changed her mind and would not be participating. This is what Marois stated, “The Chamber was planning to host a debate on 10/21 at Perry Auditorium. Unfortunately, Kim emailed me this morning to let me know that she is going to plan her own “Meet & Greet” because she did not like the restrictions we had in place.”
The planned Press Release was to announce “a live Mayoral Debate on Monday, October 21 from 6-7pm at Perry Auditorium, located behind Gardner City Hall. The debate was to be conducted in a controlled environment with a neutral moderator from outside the Gardner community. Questions would not be shared with candidates in advance and responses would be limited to a set time. Both Mayor Nicholson and Blake had agreed to the rules of the debate. For more details, CLICK on the IMAGE for a larger view or to see a screenshot of the Press Release which was planned. CLICK HERE.
History Repeating Itself: During the last election in 2023, Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson had agreed to debate Kimberly Blake. However, Blake first had agreed and then objected to various dates. When Mayor Nicholson called her bluff and had stated he would make any date at any time, Blake bowed out. Unfortunately at the time, Blake misstated the facts and also attacked a non-profit which then gave her a scathing rebuke on Social Media.