Present at the forum were Democrats Robert P. Martiniano, Michael LoPorto, and Clement W. Campana and Republicans Henry R. Bauer, Marjorie Mahar-DesGurhian, and Robert E. Armet. During this forum, the candidates were given an opportunity to answer questions from the audience members present in one minute intervals each. At the end of the forum, the candidates were given the opportunity to express closing remarks in a two minute interval.

Among the questions that candidates fielded was one that asked what city services they considered most important. Bauer responded that the “police, fire, and sanitation services” were the essential services that need to be maintained. Marjorie added that “rezoning of land to create and build is needed to make Troy a more vibrant city.” Campana explained that he felt “work on the infrastructure and the dealing with vacant buildings” are important services, while LoPorto said the most important services were “the people, dealing with the drug problem, and concentrating on developing the heart of Troy.” Martiniano commented that “the budget is teetering on the edge of disaster” and that it has to be addressed. Armet explained that the essential city services, and leadership, are the most important services to Troy.

The candidates were also asked what they thought of RPI’s relationship with Troy, and what they could offer the students. Martiniano explained that RPI is a big part of the problem and that “the city of Troy does not receive enough in return from RPI.” He went on to say that the students should not receive any benefits, since they can already intern with businesses of Troy. Armet responded by asking “What can RPI do for the city of Troy?” He explained that colleges need to support Troy in a better fashion, and that they need to work with Troy to help each other. Bauer said that “RPI is an important part of the city, and that it is beneficial to the city.” Bauer went on to say that RPI is the biggest private taxpayer in the city. Campana explained that “The city of Troy has to reach out to RPI” and that students would come down into Troy if the environment was better. LoPorto explained that “Troy is a school city” and that many of the stores and dormitories in Troy are owned by RPI, and that they should give more to the city of Troy. Marjorie said that RPI has a positive economic impact and that Troy needs better dialogue with RPI “so that each side learns the needs of the other.”

Another question asked what economic developments will help Troy. All of the candidates expressed a need to draw more businesses to the city. Clement explained that proper redevelopment is necessary for this, while Armet commented that these businesses need to employ city residents. LoPorto and Baurer commented that parking needs to be examined to help in this regard. Marjorie explained that if Troy wants to grow economically, it needs to offer incentives to draw in businesses. Martiniano said that the City of Troy needs to have development on a city wide scale, and needs to do something with all the vacant buildings to draw in businesses.