" Okay we're gonna begin with with. Tony bella and as a preamble this is no small job the mayor of New York City to control the budget sixty billion dollars of the third largest non federal government budget. -- behind the budgets of California and New York State and the mayor is the titular boss of a quarter million people. The city is an enormous operation mistakes of running it are high and the challenges as we know gentleman. Or daunting the city is now facing a five billion dollar deficit at least perhaps growing more unemployment more than nine and a half percent and growing. -- you mr. Obama what do you think you're qualified why do you think you're qualified to be mayor and guide this city through this economic."

" Well first of all I had the opportunity to work for two -- during my career both mayors Ed Koch and David Dinkins. So I saw them up close and also worked with them to -- to address some of these issues. I've also been a member of the city council for the past eight years and prior to that I served on my own community board for nine years. And also at the same time as a community activist I've had the experience of seeing. Government from both sides both being given it to him being a community activist the same time I think that gives me a unique perspective. That most politicians do not half. Working in the community and still working in government at the same time it gives me the inside to see what government should be doing what he isn't doing with the community needs and deserves."

" Okay in the travel. Mr. about what mr. Thompson the same question you why do you think you're qualified in there well my whole background if you if you look I've spent my entire life in public service in New York City. Special assistant chief of staff to United States congressman deputy Borough president Brooklyn. President -- member and president of the New York City board of education controlling the second highest citywide elected official for the last eight years. I'm a lifelong New -- product of you know a public school teacher and a judge. My whole life has been focused on public service and I. Had the opportunity to serve the people of New York City for almost my entire adult life so all of that. Prepares to put in position to be able to be the next mayor of the city -- New York OK gentlemen thank you for all of static."

" on time we're gonna get our question now with our political reporter for I was just gave -- that. Thank you don't mr. -- you've been city comptroller now for about eight years almost eight years and as you're well aware. The New York Times recently reported that under your watch the city's pension fund did not perform as well before much worse than other similar sized. Public pensions across the country at the same time your office triple the number of money managers working for you can you explain now. Why the pension fund did not do very well performed so poorly and also can you convince New Yorkers that you can. Manage the city given the structure."

" Well first -- public pension funds have performed well. -- compared to other public pension funds around the country we've done well. On the New York Times chose one index to take a look at multiple indexes how we measure. And New York City has done well compared to the others if you look at the biggest public pension funds -- stories New York State -- we have Al preformed. Those public pension funds particularly in the last year where. Things have been even tougher. We diversified. Our portfolio we've tried to spread things out which accounts for one managers being hired. You don't wanna put all your eggs in one basket so we've diversified things we've spread them out we've done a good job meant -- the members of what pension funds and the people of New York City."

" Cape -- and just as a follow on that same report. So that you except with the campaign contributions from money managers. You hired do you really think its right to go ahead and accept money from. The people we're gonna be doing work for your office well first thing is -- participate."

" In campaign finances probably most transparent. And and an open up public financing system in the country also is a clear division in my office between the professional. Investment staff. And everything and and any fund raising is done they have no idea -- sell our public pension funds are managed or at least that chaired by the -- people. It will for the five boards on manage what chaired by the mayor's peoples each and every investment decision. Is voted on by the members of the pension funds no one person can manipulate it so there is a very clear division between that. And it campaign contributions. Have and and do not influence any investment in my office there is no pay to play in my office mister bill your response. Well I --"

" We think this is huge scandal in his office you know as a New York Times reported. He has received half a million dollars from these pension managers which he increased threefold. In his administration. Two of its employees who set up this system. Then left for the wrong company was given tens of millions of dollars to invest it to invest in penchant for months. Then got you know want to two million dollars worth of fees. And then kick back money to his campaign I think this is a huge scandal and it calls into question. How he would operate as mayor and it's not just the pension scandal it's a history. -- of this -- of mismanagement remember he was the president board of education. And we changed the entire system. From the board of education to the Department of Education that a mayor can have control we've and I don't agree with total -- control. Why did we do that because the board of education was a disgrace and these are issues but the people of the city have to evaluate when to go vote. On Tuesday mr. Tucker I'm gonna give you a chance to -- it may -- transparent but is that the right thing. It is that this is this a clear division."

" Between and what we'd look at our public -- when we look at our five pension systems. All of them. Have outside consultants all of them have separated independent boards of trustees. Each and every investment is voted on by those independent boards so there's no pay to play in my office and investments. Have nothing we've increased. The number of investments in the city -- the number of much of money managers why because it's prudent because it makes sense because you spread out risk. And in these tough times -- his serve the people of New York City well so. I'm not you know I'll come to the board of education in a minute because I'd like to get back to that also get through as well I'm dogs. But now in my office I'm proud of the work that we've done in spreading out rates in diversifying the portfolio in serving the people of New York City -- all right."

" Thank you very much Univision anchor Antonio Martinez to mr. about. Thank you from the survey what they're very vocal critic. For all over development and up by the developers yet and counsel you helped push through the deal. The of the CD with a Yankee Stadium to build and use you for the Yankees but get a good deal. Give the it team 80800. Museum and that's -- tax breaks and that subsidies. And also give a week. 22 acres of -- wants to deal good for the CD. Can -- how many jobs and business had been nominated because of this do you deal is is not good for the sake you know and unfortunately when you in the council sometimes. You can always vote no and I actually have one of the highest voting and the -- voting no in the council the only other person who beats me as Charles Barron. -- Was actually trying to negotiate as chairman of his own committee on that project. And I had reason number of issues. One of which will as a real commitment. From the MTA to build the Metro North stay station. And after they -- to commend the administration got involved and so did the speaker's office. I felt it incumbent if they resolved one of the issues that I brought up. To vote for. It would have been ridiculous to me to bring up the issue commencing -- resolve this I'm still not gonna vote for a it is a big deal because the city. Did he had the Yankees have failed to let you to fulfill their part of the commitments and yes you bring up an important part of the fact that the city. Is subsidizing both yankees and Mets stadium it's okay thank you mr. ballots that -- for the time. Mr. Thompson responds this is another Mike Bloomberg giveaway boondoggle. He's. Continued to support big developers. And those like the Yankees while shortchanging the people of this city. As we look at the Yankee Stadium deal what was supposed to go cart was supposed to happen as far as Parkland as far as development. Has been a -- promise for the people of the Bronx they've been lied to. So this is another example of a Mike Bloomberg giveaway and we've seen that for the last eight years that's what the Yankee Stadium deal has been. Would you vote for a few minutes of the council of what I've I'll post a big part of this. A big piece of this Yankee Stadium deal and had a vote on the idea and voted no I thought that we we saw. And excessive amount of bonding capacity go there I just thought this was a bad deal for the people he -- either you could do as mayor in thirty seconds like your spot to. Make this deal better with the ability or the circle well obviously you can go back to the Yankees and say why don't you not living up to your commitments. And take a serious look at the subsidies that the -- providing is it legal. You know one of the things that I -- consistently isn't the City Council is over development as was mentioned. You know my opponent is taking huge amounts of money from the real estate industry. If elected he is going to be no change in how the administration runs. The city of New York in terms of letting the real estate industry control the agenda when it's yankees the Mets. I'm the only candidate for mayor. That is gonna regulate the real estate industry in terms of over development. In terms of the deal with -- and how they deal with small business our third sector response mr. tough let's be clear it's time to go back to the Yankees and say. Geez this is not who do for the city -- New York we need to do more and ago we need to do more for the parks we need to do more revenue. That deal as a matter of fact it wasn't bad enough deal in the beginning. The Bloomberg administration went back again. And gave away parking and gave away revenue from other things to be able to what bio luxury box which they then gave back again. It's time to go back to the Yankees say we need a better deal for the people of New York City thank you both for your answers our next question from -- that -- correspondents -- brooks then we'll. Mr. Thompson's if you are elected. What is the first thing you would do as mayor."

" I think the first one."

" Get rid of all the commissioners who worked for Mike Bloomberg I think the most important things to bring a whole new team in with a different perspective. With a view that looks to work and fight. For middle class working New -- it looks to do things like we talk about development. Fair development smart development across the city of New York trying to make this a more affordable city for the people of that's what needs to be done first that First Act from a whole new team that people who really represent the city of New York. Mr. bell we'll firstly I would do -- far beyond chancellor of the board of education Department of Education Joe Klein. And have followed by the fire commissioner filed by the commission the Department of Transportation following the commissioner of the -- with consumer affairs. There is a huge breakdown. In the city of new -- city agencies are operating and it's Mike Bloomberg and commissioner is beside those of the first things obviously the next thing I do. It's still real estate industry there are days of controlling the U gender in this city."

" We'll -- you thank you very much. A we have been taking your email questions all week to our website some online dot com -- I was as the -- euthanasia has been monitoring them going through -- in the newsroom."

" With what your question -- and -- we have a lot of great questions coming in already is let's get right to it welcome to both candidates to the interactive portion. Of our debate while our viewers at home get a chance to log onto our website number seven on line dot com. They can click right here and submit a question directly to you and that is what Patrick Warner from Manhattan has already done he asked. You prefer lower taxes. To spurring economic recovery or do you prefer higher taxes. Which is Diddy facing huge deficit gentleman -- for cutting service or raising taxes let's go first to mr. about that."

" I've been a consistent opponent of raising taxes I think we can raise taxes on the -- over 500000. But the lower income working families middle income families we need to lower taxes I voted against the two property tax increases. That was proposed by narrowly approved by the City Council has voted against both of them I voted against the increase in the sales tax. When you reduce taxes people put their money back into the economy. They purchase goods manufacturers and have to hire more people to make those foods you stir the economy when you lower taxes and I think we can do that. While without cutting services if we find alternative sources of revenue. Okay mr. -- I've advocated raising taxes on those who make half million dollars a year or more by about little more than six tenths of 1%. And those making a million dollars a year or more by 1% that would generate additional billion dollars a year for the city of New York we have to tighten our belts. I watch the sales tax increase I -- that the Bloomberg administration Mike Bloomberg. Again placing the burden on the backs of working and middle class New Yorkers was wrong and we need to stop that. So the which need to pay their fair share of taxes right now that's one way to close the budget gap in the city is their attacks either one of you would consider. Never raising. Any budget service never -- but what we should do is bring back the community acts I mean that would help a lot I mean in that was. Well eliminated because of a purely political move years ago. Because and it's actually the Democratic Party that -- working with Republicans in the state legislature. That could amount to 450 million dollars a year we should be bringing that back. This is for those are not where commuter tax the tax on people who work -- New York City but do not live in your friend mr. Thompson. I think public safety I think is we look at. Where we had -- fire houses we don't need to close fire houses and I would say that we need to make sure that that does in the car. Public safety issues I think we have to be very careful. In not slowing the flow -- and maintaining a safe level both police and fire I think that's important for the future of New York City."

" I don't think we wanna move -- job creation and we have been out with drivers -- cameras in the community is asking questions let's listen to one question from Staten Island about jobs."

" What neither did a lot of good -- in his arms now this. They got any sought and has sought now we gonna do about people winning knee problems this is what they can't get on it."

" to start with your city's unemployment rate over nine and a half percent many people think it's gonna go to 10% by year's -- what's your plan to get New Yorkers back to work. Well a few things and first the unemployment rate. Maybe continuing to skyrocket in New York City but in African American communities it's almost 15%. In Hispanic communities it is over 9% it continues to go up it is a crisis in the city of New York first we need to look at. Growth areas in the city no small businesses across New York we need to work improved and create access to capital for those small businesses so that they can grow. We need to focus on mostly self employed. In New York City that almost 20% of the workforce these days and there's been no change in no adjustment. Every won't talk about the need for Biotech with Queens College jobs for going to be a greener city which is start to produce postings in New York. And and we need to be creative also when you look at things like the tax credit. Four rocked the film industry. Each week on cap that if we. And eliminated the sunset New York City to be the film capital of the world. We need to be creative in New York City to create the jobs. There are people thank you mr. Thompson mr. about your plan to get New Yorkers back to work more personal I think it's very interesting and my opponent mention about low capital and loans for small business. That's exactly what Mike Bloomberg is proposing and it's completely rule. The one thing that we need to do to improve small business in this city which is on the verge of extinction. He use commercial rent control. And there's actually -- piece of legislation the council for mediation when the -- is go up it's called the small business survive or. Act I -- proud sponsor of it was introduced by councilman Robert Jackson. And by the way my opponent hasn't supported this proposal as of yet. This would provide mediation. We have small business owners whose -- may -- 6000 a month when the lease is up the business -- tells them it's 46000. That has to be stopped as mayor -- worked with the City Council we need commercial rent control that is the first thing that has to be done to protect small business. Would there be a magic equation is get people back to work -- rebuttal this stuff while. Access to capital for small business that you speak to small businesses they will tell you they need access to capital. To be able to grow New York City also means we do billions of dollars a year in goods and services. We need to help feed those small business is also and give them an opportunity to do business with the city of new York and then finally have proposed retail retention zones. That would start to protect the flavoring. In neighborhoods are local retail businesses sell those businesses wouldn't be pushed out of the neighborhoods that --"

" OK gentlemen thank you both we wanna move on an extra question to be within about. Mr. bill you touched on this a little bit and if you could name three. In your opinion three failures of Mayor Bloomberg. Is his eight years in office during his term as mayor and also. What do you see as three of his most successful. Plans or ideas."

" Well let me take a lot of first I mean the one thing he deserves some credit -- setting up -- 311 system was an idea that have been around for decades and he deserves credit for setting it up. I think on the other hand that's what the failure is as well because the 311 system is good for information but if you make a complaint. Forget it it's like a black called the complaint goes in. Nothing ever comes out the system has been improved so that when you make a complaint you get follow and that doesn't really happen there. Obviously Department of Education is a failure I don't care what his numbers are. In terms of the math and reading scores going up. We were all all we're doing is teaching to the -- you ask any teacher in the educational system. And they will tell you we are not educating our kids. We're actually lowering the standards. For people to -- for students to graduate to the next level would say it's coming down. But it's making it easier PS when I went to school. He needed 55%. Now you you like 37%. To be able to graduate OKMR thank you mr. -- The three greatest failures. Term limits definitely it's got to be number one ignoring the people of New York City and both that they had taken twice before. Ignoring the democratic process in going around the voters to the City Council that is number one on the one part of the man -- developed. And the failure. Of all the mega projects that Mike Bloomberg's move forward to the exclusion of small business across the city of New York that's probably number two. The Department of Education is the third. And as we saw last week. Where. They raided every elementary school listed 97%. Of the elementary schools and middle schools in New York City either an a or B. I've term that almost a visit to Fantasy Island or at least if he's just not real those I would say the three greatest failures of Mike Bloomberg. If you can you -- opening three what would you say are successful and stuff. The smoking ban I would save the smoking ban is probably his biggest success. And that's what this basically to a decrease in smoking in New York that. Well it's it's I don't know where that's lead to a decrease but that has been at least -- limiting smoking in public places okay. Gentlemen thank you sort of working through an actual question thank you of this question for mr. Phelps if you very much touching -- subject on the small businesses. Univision put one cameras also went out of the street to find out whether the concerns over the Spanish speaking voters. Here's what the source of -- has to say about the economy is from Washington Heights. At the -- Washington Heights unless."

" Everett Washington Heights and a 181 street there is a lot of business owners who are suffering the consequences of the bad economy. What can he do for them because the landlords are increasing their -- dramatically."

" a touch of called up from producer and dad are we on this story this 29 year old and a two daughters when. Doughnuts are really thriving in your -- while -- pop up stores are forced to close the boards. What does this give you mention about the access to capital there's several agencies like. In your computing and media alliance of Republican but said that at. Access to capital scheduled for minority businesses African American Hispanic is zero right now cool. What would you do specifically we can create pools. Of capital working with banks and others supervised will be working in conjunction with the city of New York. To create that access to capital for the small businesses until about retail we tension sells. I think that's a good idea that would start to protect small businesses with the use of zone against big box stores coming into neighborhoods in pushing them out. I also think it is important we look at the sales tax. That the Bloomberg administration just put into place sales tax increase of half a percent that works against retail business is that small businesses and we have to understand that. Other things as this it. Keeping. -- other things perhaps tax breaks to some landlords for -- For maintaining rented a certain level that's another possibility so there -- number different things that need to be done to help to grow small businesses that the lifeblood of our community. But half the people employed in the city of New York. We're in small businesses thank you mr. Thompson mr. well well first of all I I want it's."

" again for the record because the two studies that I've seen conducted by Latino business organizations. Showed that capital only is. The response for about 7% of the people -- you to view and these are two recent studies the overwhelming issue. He's the escalating rent. You can -- the capital in the world if they can't afford the rent they're going out of business and that's why you have to address that issue first. That was the number one response. For almost -- thousands -- diggers and Hispanic businesses. That has to be done first -- the only elected official in the city of New York. To write and bring to attach it to the attention of the US attorneys the extortion. That is going on a small businesses in this city we will landlords are extorting. Money from small business -- money to the table in other words. To renew their leases selling business mr. thank you very much mr. -- stand -- next question about health care. Mr. immediately after this debate President Obama will go before congress to outline his health care reform. While we wait for congress to act do you have a plan to cover uninsured New Yorkers. And should new York city hospital emergency rooms continue to be the doctors' offices for the poor and well educated yet I've been on you bring up into a very interesting question and obviously. Preventive care is Kate when people wait to go the hospital because they don't have insurance. Or they don't have -- private doctor that cost the taxpayers money. So what we need to do is improve healthcare in the city provide more clinics in Staten Island for example. Doesn't have a city hospital. Not they have a couple brought gospels that they do not have a city hospital on tonight is a disgrace. We need to get more help from the state Albany and Washington this is not a test -- the city can take cruel because of the huge amount of money. That's involved one of the things that. Both of us it was stand in front of the two hospitals have recently closed in Queens. And I actually came up with the suggestion that to the mayor and the governor. Because we were getting stimulus money. Two HAC to health and hospitals corporation. To use that money to save those two hospitals -- gonna tell it the mayor and the governor sat by and let them close think it was a disgrace to -- mr. Thompson."

" Well the first thing and and you know looking forward to hearing the president later this evening he is taking real risk of providing leadership. In moving this issue forward he should be applauded. And in New York City and one of things is we hope that by the end of the year that legislation will be approved that's the timetable he set on. Here in New York City I've always been a strong advocate for preventive. Primary care a string of clinics across the city of New York the would say to people. Let's keep you out of emergency rooms and and -- those emergency rooms be your doctor. Let's go there to get a check -- go there to bring your child to have an early diagnosis of something -- win and have preventive care done a lot of work. In disparities in health. Based on race based on poverty and and and income. People die earlier in New York City because a number of different things we need to put that that's a New York City needs to do more. In that area the Bloomberg administration -- and it's something we need to do."

" Thank you both for much I'd like to my book and it's try to stick to the timeline a lot of questions to get -- before -- the hot button issue or just your personal questions to pick up your politicians that. If it's just that book what's the one thing voters would be surprised to learn about HBO start with you national."

" Well the New York Times did an interview about me defect that I don't. I drive myself around I don't have an entourage and it I can tell you I've gotten the most positive reaction from that alone. And the fact that they gave them my talking for him at some people say why did give that out. And because I think you know elected official should have a partner drive yourself around and I drive myself around what you with -- yes. Yeah I mean if there Lisa at issue with it it's our security have to talk -- to talk live initiative -- it's a question you what could voters be surprised sort of idea."

" How how much of a badly it is not to gain weight all the time. I -- you know I think we all can identify with you know difficult hours in the number of things and you know I I haven't done a great job. But I've done an adequate job and it really is hard he would keep the pounds off it's very difficult you look look pretty good thank you couldn't have taken it -- citizens."

" Questions are looked at seven online dot com Nina Pineda an art newsroom with that yeah and -- getting so many interesting questions from outside the five borrows and also all around the fiber inspire viewers -- submitting. -- questions on seven online dot com directly to the candidates and let's go first to a question from Brooklyn. Seamus Campbell wants to know he's gonna ask mr. Bill Thompson. What are your plans to reform the MTA even if there's a lot. We're constantly hearing about service cots as mayor mr. Thompson what would you do to improve subway and bus services. Well."

" The first thing is to stand up and use the four votes that the mayor has on the empty -- This mayor has done nothing is people who sat there and voted for every fare increase and every service reduction. I stood up and tried to fight for fair share from Albany that's one of the first thing he needs to happen. We need to put all wouldn't get our fair share for New York City transit we continue to be shortchanged the federal government also. They have been out of the business of mass transit. We need to go to Washington is time to look around the country and understand that we are being short changed. And that riders pay an inordinate amount into the fare box. We need to provide leadership I wrote the president a few months ago to ask for additional help and operating capital for the MTA so we don't have to continue to dig deeper pockets. Using the commuter tax also would put more money in to mass transit that needs to be done but. Then I'll be very quick but we need to improve service and that's the one thing people of being shortchanged more express buses more expressed -- planes. Better transit that needs to be done so as to whether we break up the MT eight. Or increase the amount of money that goes there New York City thinks that --"