Mayor Richard David and his challenger, Tarik Abdelazim, engaged in a lively discussion about some important Binghamton issues during a live radio broadcast.

Mayor Richard David speaking during a "Binghamton Now" radio interview. (Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
Mayor Richard David during a "Binghamton Now" radio interview. (Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
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Abdelazim, a Democrat, surprised the Republican mayor by calling during David's regularly-scheduled appearance Tuesday on WNBF Radio's Binghamton Now program.

Tarik Abdelazim during a "Binghamton Now" interview. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
Tarik Abdelazim during a "Binghamton Now" interview. (Photo: Bob Joseph/WNBF News)
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Abdelazim first thanked David for agreeing to a debate on the radio program on October 30. He expressed hope additional broadcast debates could be scheduled. David noted there have been discussions for debates sponsored by other organizations.

During the occasionally contentious conversation, Abdelazim discussed city finances and referred to David as Mayor Richard Bucci's "right-hand man." David asserted Abdelazim was Mayor Matthew Ryan's "right-hand man." The two then talked about city tax increases and spending policies in recent years.

The mayor has not agreed to a second debate on WNBF. But he said "we'll look at the schedule. We'll consider it."

LISTEN to the entire Binghamton Now segment as it aired on August 8, 2017.

 

For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.

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