LONG BRANCH – There is a single mayoral debate this season where all three candidates will participate, and it would start in a few minutes here at Long Branch High School.

Mayor Adam Schneider leaned casually on the stage, surveying the crowd, when challenger Councilman John Pallone entered at the back of the room and made a hand over hand entrance in the vicinity of his backer, former Superintendent Joe Ferraina.

Down front, School Board Member Avery Grant sat awaiting the word to go onstage.

When Pallone reached the front of the auditorium, he frostily acknowledged Schneider, who frostily acknowledged Pallone.

Two minutes after six p.m., the three men went up onstage.

The Link News/League of Women Voters debate forum was about to begin…