GREENFIELD — In an hour-long debate that covered economic development, housing and the future of downtown, the city’s two mayoral candidates were perhaps most at odds when discussing police and school funding.

“It’s a false narrative that [Precinct 3 Councilor Virginia DeSorgher] supports the schools and the mayor doesn’t, based on one budget cycle,” Mayor Roxann Wedegartner said, kicking off the mayoral debate, which was broadcast live from Greenfield Community Television studios Tuesday night.

Asked about cuts to the Greenfield School Department’s proposed budget this spring and how each would ensure schools are adequately funded in the future, Wedegartner questioned the actions of DeSorgher, who worked with the Ways and Means Committee earlier this year to cut elsewhere in the city budget so as to reduce the impact of the cuts to the school district.

“The Ways and Means Committee didn’t ‘find’ money in some secret account, Councilor DeSorgher led the Ways and Means committee in cutting $1.5 million from nearly all other departments, plus key line items — short-term debt interest … and employee health care,” Wedegartner said. “We can’t continue to cut hundreds of thousands of dollars from other departments without jeopardizing or hurting other important responsibilities this city has to its taxpayers — our roads, our public health. I don’t believe the councilor understands that.”

DeSorgher countered that “public education is worth fighting for.” She stood by the decision to cut roughly $1.5 million elsewhere in the budget, noting that many of the line items have historically come in under budget.

“Experienced teachers and their supportive staff are invaluable,” she said. “To retain them, they must be able to pay them appropriately.”

DeSorgher and Wedegartner both announced their candidacies for mayor earlier this year. DeSorgher, 71, announced her candidacy in March and Wedegartner, 76, who took office in January 2020, announced in May that she planned to run for a second, four-year term.

The debate was co-sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Franklin County, Greenfield Community Television, Greenfield Community College and the Greenfield Recorder. It was moderated by longtime Ashfield Town Moderator and WHMP “Talk the Talk” co-host Stewart “Buz” Eisenberg.

When asked by Recorder Managing Editor Shelby Brock about the morale of the Police Department and how the next mayor would work to restore the community’s trust, particularly following a racial bias lawsuit and budget cuts that temporarily limited overnight police coverage, DeSorgher called into question Wedegartner’s leadership.

“I don’t believe that that situation was handled appropriately,” said DeSorgher, referring to the aftermath of the May 6 jury verdict in Hampshire County Superior Court that found Police Chief Robert Haigh Jr. and the Greenfield Police Department racially discriminated against former Officer Patrick Buchanan during the promotional process. “We need to mend fences where we are and we need to work cooperatively. ”

DeSorgher also called the decision to temporarily cut the night shift as a result of budget cuts “a lack of judgment.”

“It’s simplistic at best to say, as the councilor does, that she’ll fire the police chief,” Wedegartner countered. “She cannot fire the police chief … as he is governed by his contract and Civil Service.”

While she declined to comment further on the case, which is currently under appeal, Wedegartner emphasized that under her leadership, she helped to institute reforms requested by Haigh, including body cameras, a K-9 unit and a revised promotion policy “to avoid the mistakes in the Buchanan case.”

Both candidates committed to ensuring the former Lunt Silversmiths property would be “as clean as possible,” and had optimistic visions for the future of downtown. The feasibility of disincentive programs for vacant storefronts was addressed by both candidates.

“We’ve been trying … and that actually hasn’t been successful, so I think it’s time to think out of the box,” DeSorgher said. “I think we actually have to think of some uses that would be good for those downtown [storefronts]. We should be collaborating with the downtown businesses.”

Wedegartner said the city can apply to the Massachusetts Vacant Storefronts Program — a program also referenced by DeSorgher. Wedegartner said she also would be happy to work on a vacant storefront ordinance with City Council.

On the subject of economic development, Wedegartner said she is committed to furthering the city’s progress, citing the parking study, the newly built public library and soon-to-be complete fire station as recent successes under her leadership. She said she plans to create a marketing campaign to highlight Greenfield as a destination.

DeSorgher said she would work with business leaders, community members and city staff to create businesses downtown but also throughout the city, “to create new opportunities for our residents.”

“Let us not forget that part of economic development is strong schools and safe infrastructure,” DeSorgher said. “Why do people actually move to a town and stay here? Because we have good schools and good infrastructure.”

On Oct. 24, the same committee will host Greenfield Candidates’ Night. The event is scheduled for 7 p.m. at GCC’s Cohn Family Dining Commons and is open to the public. Questions should be submitted by Oct. 13 by emailing lwvfranklincounty@gmail.com or submitting through the organization’s website, lwvma-franklincounty.org — click on “Contact.” Those with questions are asked to address them to all candidates.

The general election will take place on Tuesday, Nov. 7, in the Greenfield High School gymnasium. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.