This morning in the Smith Ballroom at PSU, Sho Dozono and Sam Adams debated on issues of transportation, economic development, and public safety.

Instead of firing surprise questions at the candidates, moderator Larry Wallack—Dean of PSU’s College of Urban and Public Affairs—read off questions that the candidate had already seen. That way, the audience got a chance to see how they’d respond in depth to an issue.

The three main prepared questions were:

• As mayor, how will you address the city’s transportation needs given the poor condition of city roads and the funding shortfall?

• As mayor, how will you ensure that portland captures emerging economic opportunities in sustainable industries while ensuring our traditional industries remain competitive? As mayor, how will you help change the perception of portland’s business community?

• As mayor, how would you address the challenges of public safety in general and the management of the Portland Police Bureau in particular?

After those questions, three panelists—including Chris Lydgate of the Portland Tribune—followed up, asking things like what the candidates thought of James Chasse’s death. Specifically, Lydgate asked, “were the police actions in that situation appropriate?”

There were no rebuttals during the debate, and the candidates largely stuck to their scripts. This election seems to be shaping up as a referendum on Mayor Tom Potter’s term: Without name dropping, Adams frequently refers to how things have been done (or not done) lately and how he’d shake up city hall, while Dozono refers to a more deliberative style of leadership he says he embodies—one that’s reminiscent of Potter, as well.

Listen to the entire hour long debate here!