Candidates Spar at Second Debate (VIDEO)

The pension fund, issues with Quinnipiac University and education spending were some of the issues the three candidates for mayor addressed at the Hamden Chamber of Commerce's debate Thursday.

Attorney Steven Ciardiello moderated the debate, attended by more than 50 people. During the first part of the debate, the candidates were asked questions prepared by the chamber, after which people in the audience were given the opportunity to ask questions.

Shepard Avenue resident George Levinson asked the trio if any would vow not to raise the mill rate during their term as mayor. All three said they couldn't do that.

"I am not willing to pledge to hold the line on the $181 million budget because the budget reflects the needs of the community," Jackson said.

If next year, those needs total $185 million, he won't rule out increasing the budget to that amount, Jackson said. And compared to other similar communities, Hamden's budget is lower than most, he said.

While Hamden's taxes are high, it's not possible to say they won't go up at all, Corcoran said.

"The people of Hamden are vastly overtaxed -- it's a huge issue," he said. "But it would be dishonest to say we would be able to hold steady. First we need to get our house in order."

"We have to either increase debt to pay the bills or get concessions [from the unions]," Baltayan said. "I pledge to get as many concessions as possible and reduce budget items."

But he stopped short of promising no budget increases. 

"There's no guarantees in this life," he said.

When asked about how to address crime issues in the southern part of town, all three candidates said that working in partnership with New Haven is crucial.

"Cooperation is key," Baltayan said, as is education.

"It is important to give the youth the opportunity to do things," he said. "There's no easy solution to this problem."

"We have gun issues," Jackson said, "and we have to take steps to rid the streets of illegal guns."

The recent expansion of Hamden Youth Center programs is a step in the right direction, Jackson said. 

"There has to be more targeted activities provided for young people," he said.

Plans to locate the youth center at the new Fire Headquarters is a good move, Corcoran said.

"We will have kids close to respected people who will be a good influence," he said.

There also has to be more places for kids to go in the southern part of town, he said.

"There's not a lot of areas for activities in the south part of Hamden," he said.

Check back in the coming days for reports on how the candidates feel about issues that include the deficit in the town's pension fund, problems between Quinnipiac University and the residents living aroud the campus, the drop in the town's bond rating and the Board of Education's budget.