New London — Democratic mayoral candidate Michael Passero has spent more than a year campaigning in an attempt to win over city voters.

Along the way he has raised more than $74,000, picked up endorsements from local legislators, U.S. senators and unions, and held numerous community forums to highlight his platform.

Passero soundly defeated incumbent Democratic Mayor Daryl Justin Finizio at a Democratic primary.

By contrast, Passero’s challenger, Republican Bill Vogel, admits that his campaign only really kicked into high gear after the primary, but he still promised two months of strong campaigning on the issues.

Vogel, 75, said he’s been going door-to-door and concentrated on social media and public access forums to highlight his views for the city.

“He made his decision a long time ago,” Vogel said of Passero. “I didn’t decide to run for mayor until July. That doesn’t take away the fact this is something I want and would be truly honored to be elected. I’d love to finish off my professional career by doing that successfully.”

Vogel, chairman of the Republican Town Committee, is a retired Navy captain who went on to a career with Northeast Utilities where he held managerial positions.

“When we changed the charter to go from city manager to elected mayor, we took all of the responsibilities of a city manager and placed it in the hands of the mayor,” Vogel said. “Mike hasn’t ever managed anything. Mike could not be hired as a city manager back in the day. I probably could have been.”

Passero, 59, a career city firefighter and labor attorney who has spent three terms on the city council, has made the hiring of professional management in the city, including a qualified chief administrative officer, one of the highlights of his campaign.

Passero commended Vogel on his service in the Navy but said it raises the question, “Does that translate into the ability to lead a municipal government?”

“You can’t command people like on a sub, not in this business. You have to build consensus and prove you have the experience and understanding of the issues to convince people you’re probably right.”

Despite being what he described as a “political pariah,” when supporters of Finizio were elected to the council, Passero said, “I still managed to reach out and work with people — people who did not start out as my political allies.”

Vogel has also campaigned on the need for better government transparency and the hiring of qualified department heads to help run the city. He said his background gives him the edge when it comes to hiring.

The two mayoral candidates will square off at a debate at 7 p.m. Monday at the New London Science and Technology Magnet School. The debate is sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce of Southeastern Connecticut and the Day.

g.smith@theday.com

Twitter: @SmittyDay