The Youngstown Mayoral Debate airing live on WFMJ.com and the 21 News App has concluded. Mayor Jamael Tito Brown, Democrat, Tracey Winbush, Republican and Richard Hill, Independent, were the participants. Veteran journalist Bertram de Souza served as host

The first question asked candidates about median income and income tax for the City of Youngstown as it concerns other issues. Candidates were asked to identify some initiatives they would launch within their first 100 days in office. 

Tracey Winbush mainly focused on qualified advisors and communications while Richard Hill talked about first responders and Youngstown's population.

Mayor Tito Brown spoke about the workforce taking a front seat as larger businesses look to Youngstown to operate. He highlighted education being a big part in the plan.  

Next the issue discussed was population.

Hill said he would like to embrace Afghani migrants as a possible way to build the cities population.

Winbush stood on grounds of focusing on the people who are already living in Youngstown and their retention.

Brown wanted to focus on bringing individuals from other areas to the city as part of his plan for businesses coming to the area. He again mentioned trying to make the workforce a major player in his plan. He was also open to immigrants and refugees.

Then Winbush responded with her own experiences living in the city, accusing Brown of not focusing on the issues that glare at the city, like crime.

"There's nowhere to get coffee," she said. "There's no kiosks."

Hill spoke up to talk about what he called "generational trash" always being prominent in Youngstown after he said he participated in trash cleanups across the city. He then questioned when Brown's ideas would convert into reality.

Brown said he is working to build the relationships to make his goals happen.

"It does not happen over night," Brown said.

Then Winbush and Hill were asked about what they would do differently than Brown.

Hill listed off a number of expenses that Brown has used funds for, including vehicles and golf.

Brown claimed he asked current Ohio Attorney General, and former state Auditor David Yost about what expenses he could use before he took office. He claimed everything he used his expenses on was allowable under Yost.

Hill shot back saying that the audit he was referring to when he mentioned Brown's expense use was cited in 2018, when Yost was still Ohio's Auditor.

Then poverty was addressed. Brown was asked about a failed promise he made four years ago to bring a box grocery store to downtown Youngstown. The question did mention the pandemic as a reason for the idea not following through.

Brown said he has not stopped trying to prevent the food desert in the city. He updated saying two local grocers are ready to expand and that another grocer from Pittsburgh wants to bring a location to Youngstown. Then Brown said he spoke with a large national grocer who is interested in bringing a pop up market to downtown. He did not specify any of the stores. He said that COVID-19 relief money will allow for these projects to come through.

Winbush said the relief funds have been available for several months and questioned why Brown is waiting until after the election to spend the money. She added that the issue is more dire because winter is approaching.

Brown retorted saying he was waiting to see what the state would see as appropriate endeavors for the money to be spent on so that the state would not ask for the money back.

Winbush promised that she would bring a grocery store to Youngstown within two years of her administration, if she was elected. She said she would not turn interested business partners away. 

"We need to develop our community until we are all one," she said.

Moderator Bertram de Souza said the reason grocers do not succeed in the city is because of shoplifting. 

Winbush said that would not happen if a precedent was changed, but she did accuse younger people of committing most of those theft crimes with no support. She agreed when moderators said adults were responsible too, before saying that when the court systems change, so will the people.

Then the candidates were asked about the way crime can be controlled with first responders being enticed to stay in Youngstown. 

Hill suggested tuition assistance for recent graduates who are hired for a Youngstown first responder job.

He also said the city has not been safer since Brown took office because their are less police officers in Youngstown.

Brown said the city is actively trying to hire two more police officers. 

"It does not happen overnight," Brown repeated.

Hill threw out percentages that put emphasis on the large crime rates in different categories across the city.

Winbush said wants to create a mindset in city employees that make them feel appreciated.

"I am just about action," she said.

Brown then defended his pandemic response saying he actively communicates with the clergy and Governor DeWine while also starting a pandemic response team.

He said he is still working on containing COVID-19 in the area.

Then the candidates were asked to explain a real plan to prevent crime in Youngstown. 

Hill said he would bring first responders back to the city to address crime. Moderators asked for any specifics from Hill's statement.

"If it's a priority, you get it done," he said.

Brown was asked about funds he can use to hire law enforcement. He said he spoke with the union today about making a plan to increase wages. He said the reason he wants to retain older officers so they can use their experience to train potential future officers.

When asked about the root cause of crime, Hill pointed at the city's drug culture and mentioned he would make an initiative to stop it.

Winbush said she would want to share hope with the community.

"You start with the whole city," she said. You start with where people are."

She said she wants to give hope to everyone, especially because of the lack of solid education. Youngstown City Schools is among the worst rated districts in Ohio.

Brown focused on mental health. He said about a third of the calls made to first responders deal with the issue. He said he would like to put social workers on the ground in the city.

Hill piped back in saying he would like to develop community centers in safer areas of the city so children can participate.

Brown then rattled off multiple centers for children he thought were doing a great job. He also said the city school's have after class groups for children and the Boys and Girls Club still plays a role in the area.

The three candidates were asked what they did to support the community.

Hill said his time was taken up by being a single father while getting his masters degree. He said setting an example for his son was something he enjoyed and that his child is finishing school now.

Brown spoke about raising his four children and the events he participated in while in school.

Winbush talked about organizations she created and the business she owns. 

In closing remarks, Hill said Youngstown is at a tipping point. He talked about poverty rates and said he had a plan and would have a confident administration.

Winbush said she struggles as a 57-year-old and addressed people in her age bracket, saying they must struggle too.

Brown concluded by saying he knows the endorsements he has received are right for the city.

Election Day is on November 2, 2021 in Youngstown, Ohio and across the nation.