Rochester mayoral debate showcases diverse views on sanctuary city, living costs
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — Wednesday was the Democratic Mayoral Primary Candidate Debate where the three candidates: Incumbent Malik Evans, Mary Lupien, and Shashi Sinha, gave insight into how they would address hot-button issues should they hold office.
Many of the questions asked at the debate revolved around centric issues in the City of Rochester: immigration enforcement, cost of living, and the future of downtown, and there were varying perspectives among the candidates on how to approach each concern.
The debate hosted by WXXI began with opening statements from each of the democrats running for Rochester mayor in the upcoming primary.
Shashi Sinha: 'Rochester is broken, and people in charge either don't see it, or don't know how to fix it.'
Mary Lupien: 'I'm running for mayor because I know these are problems in our power to solve. Rochester is in crisis and Mayor Evans may be keeping the lights on, but that's not enough.'
Mayor Malik Evans: 'My mother always said 'Malik, we are not where we want to be, but thank God we're not where we were. So, we have seen progress, and I want to help to continue that progress.'
One of the biggest questions the candidates focused on was the future of Rochester's sanctuary city status. This, following a lawsuit filed by the federal officials against city leaders.
Shina was the first to answer.
Shashi Sinha: 'Its a complicated issue. Do we stay a sanctuary city? Yes, I'm fully committed to saving our community, our immigrant community, but there are many different aspects to it.'
Mayor Malik Evans: 'We absolutely are committed to our policy. It has stood the test of time since 1986.'
Mary Lupien: 'We are going to protect our people. We are not going to turn our back on our immigrant population. It is incredibly important that we stand together.'
Among other questions involving each candidate's stance on the future of the Police Accountability Board and revitalizing downtown, was a focus on the cost of living in Rochester.
Building affordable housing and creating jobs were a couple different solutions proposed by these candidates. Each candidate also addressed their perspective on homeless encampment sweeps.
Mary Lupien: 'As Mayor, I would end homeless encampment sweeps. Day one.'
Mayor Malik Evans: 'No one should be on the streets in the City of Rochester. It is not a way to live.'
Shashi Sinha: 'You can't just take the tent away and leave the person to die in cold or heat.'
These are only a few highlights of Wednesday's debate. We'll hear from the candidates two weeks prior to the June 24 primary election. They'll be participating in a town hall here at News 8.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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