By JACKSON WANG
Executive Editor
Albany democratic mayoral candidates Corey Ellis and Kathy Sheehan faced off in one last debate on Tuesday at The College of Saint Rose before the democratic primary election. The two potential candidates went head to head, taking questions for about an hour and even raised the tension in the room at certain points.
The debate began with both candidates being asked about their campaigns.
Ellis talked about his knowledge of the city as someone how growing up in Albany and living in the city all his life. He then highlighted on his success of fighting property taxes a common councilmember. Sheehan also highlighted on her political success, pointing to her creation of the parking system while she was treasurer of the city.
The next question focused on the policing in Albany. Both candidates credited Chief of Police Steven Krokoff on lowering the crime rate.
“I believe the chief has put us on a good path,” said Kathy Sheehan.
Ellis also said Krokoff has done a great job, but questions the police tactic of stop and frisk. He said that the tactic isn’t fair because African Americans feel it the most.
But beyond the crimes, another major problem that the city of Albany has been facing for many years is budgeting. Both candidates were asked of their plans for the budget if they were elected mayor.
Sheehan said she would adopt the zero based budgeting, which means she use money only if a certain city department needed it. Her opponent went in the opposite direction.
“We can’t start at zero, we know we have costs,” said Ellis. “I haven’t heard my opponent talk about her plans to generate revenue for the city.”
Ellis said he would establish a plan that would bring revenue to Albany. Sheehan rebuttal by saying the city far away from establishing what is driving the costs.
“If we work together, we can figure out the budget,” said Sheehan.
Another big issue the city is dealing with is education. Last year, Albany High School had a graduation rate of 49 percent, and it has hovered around that rate for many years now. If that rate continues, Albany High School could be receiving the “death penalty,” which means the state would take control of the school.
Sheehan said she would try to fix the problem by working with the school district and figure out how the money can be spent, in order to avoid the “death penalty.” Ellis responded by saying, “the control needs to stay local.” He pushed on the importance of education, while trying to save money.
Sheehan also said that it’s more than an education issue. She said everyone is involved, teachers, parents, and students.
“We need to make sure our kids are getting to school,” said Sheehan. “We need to work together.”
One populate debate that developed over the summer was economic development in downtown Albany. Both candidates were asked about it on Tuesday.
Ellis is for the proposed aquarium for the city because he said it would generate revenue. He also said the convention center would not be a great idea because it would be a public building, which means no revenue.
As for Sheehan, she said the city needs to build on its strengths.
“We need to work on our development plan,” said Sheehan. “I won’t start anything that we don’t have a plan to finish.”
One of the last topics both candidates debated on was college students in the city and relationships with them.
Ellis said the city needs to provide safer streets for the students and develop strong relationship with them. He also said the city needs to keep their college students in Albany, even after they graduate by getting them jobs in the state capital.
“We need our college students,” said Ellis. “Students need to understand what is happening.”
As for Sheehan’s plan, she said the city needs to do a better job on code enforcement. “This is a place that needs to be respected,” said Sheehan.
Also, Sheehan would like to work with student leadership and make them feel like they’re part of the Albany. She would also like to work with residential assistants and freshmen students by providing transportation to bring them to downtown Albany, which would also help with revenue.
The primary election will be September 10th as either Ellis or Sheehan will be picked to represent the Democratic Party for the Albany mayoral race. If either Ellis or Sheehan gets elected mayor of Albany, they will be the first African American or women mayor of the state capital.
