Time constraints led to the rushed, tense ending of an event meant to bring together a local religious group and public officials to tackle inequities in public education funding Wednesday evening.

Twenty-four state and local officials — consisting of Mayor Bill Carpenter, School Superintendent Kathleen Smith, city councilors, School Committee members, state representatives and senators — were invited to the event, hosted by Brockton Interfaith Community, known as BIC. At the end, those who attended were asked to vote on whether they would commit to forming a task force with BIC to address the funding issues.

Starting with state officials, Sen. Michael Brady was the first person invited up and the first to vote yes. He was followed by a yes from state Rep. Michelle DuBois. State Rep. Gerard Cassidy, who was unable to attend, did not send his answer ahead of the event.

Read more here