Mayoral Candidates Spar with Mayo

Monroe mayor, Jamie Mayo sat down with his four announced mayoral opponents for a debate that centered on several issues facing the community. The debate that was held Monday evening (Feb.10) at the Civic Center was sponsored by radio station KEDM. All of the candidates running to succeed Mayo would like to come in first in the general election, but each one would also settle for second, believing that Mayo will not garner over 50% of the vote. A recurring theme that will continued to be discussed is the crime element in the city. One candidate said that police officers "need a raise, and that morale is low", while the candidate said that the force should have a change in shift to maximize exposure and a candidate said that the recreational centers need programs for young people to go to. The candidates were asked whether they were for or against bringing a casino to the city. Mayo's challengers expressed reservations about bringing in a casino-saying no, but said that should be up to the voters. One candidate said that "the house will always win", while the rest said that casino would affect low income voters through gambling and that if it failed, it would have a bad effect on the city. Mayo expressed support for a casino, saying that it would "bring in jobs and funding for education". Mayo defended his record as mayor, saying that the city has "engaged in many projects" that have been beneficial for the community, and that there "are signs" of progress over the entire city.