SALISBURY, Md. -- Either Megan Outten, Jermichael Mitchell or Randy Taylor will be Salisbury's new mayor. The winner will be the city's first full-term mayor since Jake Day joined the Moore Administration earlier this year.
It also means months of campaigning culminates at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, and the campaign has not come without controversy. From Megan Outten's residency being called into question, to Jermichael Mitchell's firearm charges to Randy Taylors alleged 2020 election denial.
On Monday, however, we had the chance to bring local issues to each candidate and figure out, if elected, how they will lead Salisbury forward.
A big focus for Outten, Mitchell and Taylor: youth crime.
For Outten, addressing youth crime means finding ways to reconnect with a younger generation.
"It feels like they're really lost right now, there's a lot of disconnect and a lack of community for them," said Outten. "I think at the city we can definitely build up a lot of the programs that we already have established."
Outten said she has met with Wicomico Board of Education representatives to get an idea of what they're seeing at the school level. Outten said she plans on using that information to create a plan for city officials.
"I really genuinely believe it's going to be an all hands on effort to help support our youth," said Outten.
Mitchell said building relationships will be key.
"As of now I'm a mentor, I would encourage others in our positions to be mentors and to become mentors in our schools," said Mitchell. "Walk those hallways, they respect you a little more when they see you often."
Mitchell has a background working with the Department of Juvenile Justice, and said he would use that experience.
"I think the number one thing is being present, kids seeing people who are in these positions and they're showing up to different events," said Mitchell.
Taylor said his first move would be increasing the police presence throughout the city.
"Ramping up to full staff in terms of policing as well, is a big first step," said Taylor. "Then beyond that, I'd say more community policing and more intervention as it relates to youth crime and youth violence."
Taylor has also been critical of downtown development. A proposed apartment complex slated for the area was thought to be too dense, and Taylor wants to make sure similar projects in the future are done the right way.
"We're hoping to get another project at some point in the future that's more right sized for the downtown and that bakes in parking for the central business district," said Taylor.
All three candidates also said they want to see other parts of the city get attention.
"So many of our neighborhoods are in a lot of need, both infrastructure and support and we've given so much love and attention to downtown and I just want some of that love to get spread around the city," said Outten.
Mitchell also wants attention from the city to be spread out moving forward.
"I just feel like our communities have been forgotten about. Nine years ago we were told by the administration 'let downtown grow, let them continue to do the things they need in the downtown area' and it would trickle down to our communities," said Mitchell. "As you can see some of our communities still look dead."
Another focal point will be transparency.
"Greater levels of transparency for sure, you know giving people an opportunity to see what's going on, what they're voting on, what the momentum of legislation is and get input from the public," said Taylor.
A turbulent mayoral race, coming to an end on Tuesday night.
In addition to the mayor's race, four of Salisbury's five council seats are also up for grabs. Polls are open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. You can find your polling place here.
