Overview
- 21 News hosted a Thursday afternoon debate between incumbent Democrat Jamael Tito Brown and independent challenger Derrick McDowell, moderated by Lindsay McCoy.
- On public safety, Brown cited more than 107 illegal guns seized this year, highlighted the Impact initiative and community policing, and outlined a goal to launch a real-time crime data center.
- McDowell pointed to officer shortages and heavy overtime, calling for more aggressive recruitment, improved pay, and stronger morale to retain talent.
- Discussing EMS, Brown said a city-run service remains unaffordable now despite a feasibility study, while McDowell argued the city missed a viable union-backed proposal when the timing was right.
- Parks funding drew scrutiny as McDowell warned ARP dollars will run out and rejected tax hikes, while Brown pointed to youth engagement programs; both candidates have also emphasized housing and downtown development heading into Nov. 4.