Wednesday night’s mayoral debate was peppered with questions, comments and bitter dialogues on landlord-tenant relations, safety, economic growth and the bar entry age.

The event, sponsored by the Student Association and Phi Sigma Zeta, was moderated by NIU political science professor Mikel Wyckoff, who opened with a question about the failed 19-year-old bar entry age ordinance. About 100 people attended the forum.

Mayor Bessie Chronopoulos said the entry age change didn’t happen because of an outstanding concern over safety and law enforcement.

“It’s difficult to enforce the 21-year-old [drinking] law when you don’t know who’s drinking,” she said.

Her opponent, and former mayor Greg Sparrow, said he believes the student population didn’t get a fair hearing in the matter.

“State law says there is an 18-year-old bar entry age,” he said. “Because of home-rule, it’s more restrictive in DeKalb. The council had their minds made up before they got there.”

He said he is willing to continue discussing the matter with the SA, but that he doesn’t see the votes to get the ordinance passed.

When questioned about the tenant’s bill of rights, Sparrow maintained that he doesn’t see an overwhelming need for a new ordinance, but is willing to honor the committee’s commitment and wait for their recommendations.

“We have a well-represented committee in place approaching the issue from a neutral position,” he said.

Chronopoulos noted that the committee was not only in place to investigate landlord-tenant relations but to take stock of the city’s housing as well.

The controversy over the “lost mall” spurned much discussion throughout the night.

Chronopoulos defended her no-vote four years ago, saying the plan for a mall on Peace and Fairview roads simply was not viable. She added that negotiations were currently under way for the redevelopment of the Northland Plaza.

Sparrow continued to stress economic development and supported the mall.

“I am absolutely for a mall,” he said. “The community deserves and needs it.”

He even alluded to the possibility of luring the rail system to DeKalb in five or 10 years.

At one point, Sparrow was asked to explain his previous DUI arrest and conviction.

“I’m human, I make mistakes,” he said. “I went through the adjudication process. It was a great embarrassment to me and to my family.”

While they are at odds on many issues, Chronopoulos and Sparrow said they see a need to continue improving relations between NIU and the city.

“The city of DeKalb and NIU, NIU and the city of DeKalb, they’re joined at the hip,” Chronopoulos said. “Never a week goes by without communication between the mayor’s office and the university.”

Sparrow vowed to continue to bring the two groups together.

“There is strength in diversity,” he said. “We need to involve the faculty, staff and students.”

Both candidates closed by encouraging the students to vote in the election on April 3.