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It's the Brian LeroyC Studios

Good morning again, everyone. Now we'll look at one of the top

issues in this year's New York City mayoral race, public safety. Why that today? Because

yesterday, six candidates sat down for a forum hosted by the journal Vital City to discuss

crime and quality of life in New York City.

City Council Speaker Adrian Adams, which is going to be on tomorrow's show, by the way,

for a candidate interview.

New York State Senator, Jessica Ramos, Comptroller, Brad Lander, former Comptroller, Scott Stringer,

attorney Jim Walden, who's running as an independent, and hedge fund manager

Whitney Tilson, who's also in the Democratic primary.

Joining me now to discuss what they learned at this forum is Bridget Bergen, WNYC's senior

political correspondent and Ruvain Blow, reporter for the news organization, The City, who covers criminal justice and the city's prison system.

They both got to dole out some questions to the candidates on topics like policing, mental health, homelessness, Rikers, and more.

Hi, Bridget. And Rewane, welcome back to WNYC.

Good morning.

Hi, thanks for having us.

And let's start with the elephant in the room or not in the room, Ruvain. None of the candidates who are on yesterday stage are currently polling at levels that would likely carry

them to the top. Andrew Cuomo wasn't there. Eric Adams wasn't there. Zora and

Mom Doni wasn't there. Why not? You know, the candidates that were state lawmakers,

they said that they're busy with the state budget and, you know, they had to be kind of in

Albany or around or available for that issue. And, you know,

...