Four Democratic candidates vying to win the June 24 primary election for Albany mayor faced off in a debate on Spectrum News 1 Thursday to see who will be best positioned as the Democratic choice to replace Mayor Kathy Sheehan after 12 years running the state’s capital city.

Chief Auditor Dorcey Applyrs, Common Council president Corey Ellis, political newcomer Dan Cerutti and longtime public servant Carolyn McLaughlin took the stage with a mind on who can best guide a city that finds itself at a crossroads, still trying to pick itself up in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic while preparing for a significant assist from the state of New York in the form of a $400 million infusion as part of this year’s state budget.

The debate began with the issue that has taken up much of the oxygen in the campaign: how address public safety, and how to make people feel safe in Albany.

Ellis told Arbetter that he wants to see more incentives to get officers on the force. 

“You want a recruitment bonus and we have to increase their pay — we need officers,” he said.

McLaughlin also put a premium on recruitment and retention incentives, with an emphasis on encouraging officers to live in and embrace the community.

“We have to provide incentives so that our officers will not only take the job, but stay in the city of Albany,” she said.

Applyrs also stressed the need for a bond between officers and the community.

“It includes recruiting and retaining police officers; it also includes doubling down on community policing and putting the public back in public safety,” she said.

In a moment of tension, both Applyrs and McLaughlin accused Cerutti’s campaign of linking them to rhetoric related to defunding the police. Applyrs described it as "Republican" rhetoric and McLaughlin referenced a mailer she received.

“Do your research before you put information out to our voters about me wanting to defund the police; it’s simply not true,” Applyrs said.

Cerutti offered a reference to Representative Ayanna Pressley hosting a fundraiser for Applyrs.

“I don’t know anything about it, I haven’t said anything about it, I don’t know what Republicans have said anything about it. I’m not sure what she’s talking about,” he said.

“The Republican that has said something about it is you, Dan,” Applyrs shot back. “We know your Republican track record.”

Also inescapable was discussion of who will best manage and leverage the $400 million investment New York is making in Albany as part of this year’s state budget.

Applyrs wants to prioritize what she describes as "anchor" projects.

“Housing to address our housing crisis, but also commercial space for businesses because we need more jobs,” she said.

Cerutti pushed private sector investment to ensure long term growth.

“We need to make sure the money is invested and leveraged,” he said. “As a rule, no more than 20 percent should be dedicated to any project assuming the other 80 percent comes from outside investment.”

McLaughlin stressed that the city should focus on shoring up areas where projects are incomplete or development has gone stagnant.

“I’m tired of looking at the vacant buildings; I’m tired of looking at the scaffolding that does not seem to be progressing,” she said.

Ellis says the positivity generated by a massive investment in Albany’s existing fabric in itself will draw in new businesses.

“We just have to make sure the existing businesses and neighborhoods benefit from this ... they have to benefit,” he said.

The debate also covered how to address mental health issues, establish more affordable housing and address blight.

You can watch the full debate on the Spectrum News App.