All five candidates on the Democratic primary ballot for Buffalo mayor debated many of the issues facing the city Tuesday night, with the city budget, which includes a hotel bed tax and the sale of the city’s parking ramps, at the top.

Acting Buffalo Mayor Chris Scanlon almost immediately went on the defense last night, discussing the work already done since taking office. He said he inherited a $70 million deficit that has since been cut to around $40 million.

"I look at our budget as an opportunity," Scanlon said. "I look at our challenges as an opportunity for us to get better."

Councilmember Rasheed Wyatt said the budget Scanlon proposed had too many clear mistakes that impacted the taxpayers and that's why he was one of two "no" votes for passing it.

"Every bad decision falls back on the taxpayer," Wyatt said.

"We're not gonna tax our way out of the situation," Tyson-Thompson said. "There's no silver bullet for it. This is not an episode of 'The West Wing.' "

Former Buffalo Fire Commissioner Garnell Whitfield, activist Anthony Tyson-Thompson and Sen. Sean Ryan all called for an audit of the city books.

"I believe that these proposals are short-term political proposals to systemic generational issues," Whitfield said.

Other issues discussed included funding projects for the I-198 and Humboldt Parkway, keeping businesses in downtown Buffalo and public safety.

"We have to stop giving away taxpayer dollars," said Ryan, who was endorsed Tuesday by Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz. 

James Gardner, a Republican and former assistant district attorney, is also on the ballot. 

The primary election will take place on June 24. Early voting begins on June 14. The general election is on Nov. 4.