WATERTOWN, New York (WWNY) – Candidates in what’s been a contentious Watertown mayoral race sat down to talk about the issues Wednesday night.
With Election Day a few weeks away, Lisa Ruggiero and Sarah Compo Pierce met at a candidates’ forum at the Italian American Civic Association.
Both women — who often don’t see eye to eye — are current members of the city council.
They were asked questions on a range of issues, including homelessness, mental health, and drugs.
Compo Pierce says the city and county need to work together to address homelessness.
Ruggiero says the city itself could do more.
“It’s important that we do more and recognize that this problem is not going to go away,” Ruggiero said. “As far as the drug use, it’s definitely a problem that’s increasing and that’s why last year the budget that we had included five additional police officer positions to try and help combat drug use, but, again, my opponent voted against that.”
“There are efforts at the county level to address the homelessness issue,” Compo Pierce said. “The city has been part of those discussions, which I think it’s important, but ultimately the county oversees Social Services for the area. The long-term solution is being worked on, but this is something that is very serious, and we hear more and more on lately. I did vote against the budget last year as my opponent alluded to, which included five police officers, but I’ll tell you the reason for that. Because that budget included two dozen new positions overall for the city.”
In their closing remarks, the candidates gave their pitch to voters.
Compo Pierce: “Fiscal responsibility, smart with taxpayer money, taking care of essentials first like our drinking water, transparency and being completely open about the way that your money is spent, maturity and professionalism.”
Ruggiero: “I actually know many of the people that are involved in this community and having the ability to network is key. I’m experienced, I have the qualifications, I have the dedication, I’m ready to lead.
The forum was hosted by Community Broadcasters and moderated by former Mayor Jeff Graham.
The election is on Tuesday November 7.
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