NEWPORT, R.I. -- Providence Mayor David N. Cicilline will be among the First District Congressional candidates attending Monday evening's forum at the Community College of Rhode Island Newport campus, contrary to what fellow Democratic candidate Bill Lynch has said.

The Newport Chamber of Commerce, one of the sponsors of the forum (5:30 to 7 p.m.), confirmed Cicilline's attendance Monday afternoon, as did Cicilline's campaign spokesman Eric Hyers, who said the event has been listed on Cicilline's campaign website for several days now.

Lynch's campaign on Friday issued a press release saying that Cicilline had not yet agreed to attend the forum. Cicilline's absence at some congressional debates and forums has been an issue for some of his opponents, including Lynch.

"Mayor Cicilline is once again depriving people the opportunity to question him about his record in the city of Providence -- a record many find concerning, and which the mayor seems unwilling or unable to defend," the Lynch campaign said on Friday.