New London – Democrat Michael Passero and Republican Bill Vogel have some similar priorities for the next elected mayor – to hire professional department heads, increase economic development efforts and oversee the development of the all-magnet school system.

But the two mayoral candidates highlighted some differences between them at a debate Monday at the New London Science and Technology Magnet High School. Attended by about 75 people, the debate was sponsored by The Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut and The Day. It was moderated by The Day’s Deputy Managing Editor Lisa McGinley.

Vogel, chairman of the New London Republican Town Committee, said his career in the U.S. Navy and as a manager with Northeast Utilities gives him the edge over Passero as far as managerial experience.

“Having been a nuclear fast attack submarine captain, I know how to make decisions. I know how to get things done. I know how to maintain high standards,” Vogel said.

Passero counters that being a lifelong resident, working 31 years with the fire department, serving three terms on the City Council and being a part of numerous boards and commissions gives him a more intimate knowledge of the goings-on in city government.

Vogel voiced concern at the lack of transparency from the school district and its $200 million school construction plan, saying “educators are not usually the best project managers.”

“We cannot afford to fail,” Vogel said. “We really need to keep our eye on the ball,” he said.

Passero was more optimistic.

“Bill, I’d invite you to start attending the School Building Maintenance Committee meetings,” Passero said. “One of the things I’ve devoted myself to in the last four years is getting a handle on our school construction projects.”

He said professionals are now at the table ensuring the school construction project “is going to be properly managed,” and also fighting to see that jobs benefit local workers.

On the topic of economic development, Vogel said the all-magnet school system will be the “chief driver over the long term to control taxes.” The schools will help bring new people into the city, which will in turn improve economic development, he said.

Passero agreed that the growth of the tax base and controlled spending are priorities. This year, he said, the council “level funded the general government side of the budget.” It was the school spending, he said, that was responsible for the 3.8 percent tax increase. He blamed some of the ballooning costs in the past on government mismanagement.

Both believe in the development corporation model when it comes to future development around Fort Trumbull. Vogel said the group needs a management plan and greater accountability. Passero said the group needs to be more active and self-promoting, but “I can assure you, they have been working diligently. It’s been a tough economic climate.”

When it comes to the police department, Vogel said the city would be “better served if the chief decided to retire and I was able to appoint a new police chief.” But he backed off a bit from statements indicating he would immediately encourage Chief Margaret Ackley to retire.

Vogel said he would ensure a professional relationship if Ackley stayed and develop an open line of communication.

Passero said he planned to develop a professional relationsship with the chief and “I certainly don’t intend to micromanage the police department.”

“That has created an enormous amount of havoc in this community” and has been a main driver in the rise of the city’s liability insurance costs, Passero said.

Passero said he was prepared to see through the rollout of body cameras for police officers but said he’d prefer to wait for regulations to be in place.

As for a recent vote by the City Council to borrow $625,000 for body cameras and a host of public safety gear for firefighters and police officers, Vogel chided Passero for voting to borrow the money when the city doesn't intend to use the money right away.

The city is going to the bond market in November, Passero said, and with no other ways to fund these high-liability expenses, “we had our backs against the wall.”

The two candidates diverged on the problem of heroin abuse in the city.

“I’m on the streets. I see it every day. Our waterfront park has really become a hangout for people with this problem,” Passero said. “We see it through all the socio-economic levels of our community.”

When first elected to the council, Passero said he successfully pushed for the addition of a social services coordinator who was able to help tackle the issue by coordinating with outside agencies. The position, however, was later cut from the budget. He said he intends to seek to restore that position.

Vogel said lifesaving responses by the police and fire department are sufficient.

“I’m not sure the city can really afford to have extensive social services to handle drug addiction, per se,” Vogel said. “You can only do so much and that, to me, is not necessarily a main line, high-priority need for the city itself.”

Municipal elections are Nov. 3.

g.smith@theday.com

Twitter: @Smittyday