Well, the first of two forums for candidates running for city office happened tonight. On my way out the door a DPW employee (I think it may have been City Artists Phil Steffen, but I'm not entirely sure), asked me who I thought won.

At that moment in time I was so focused on my 10 p.m. deadline (it was 9:11), that I couldn't even formulate a reasonable answer.

Now that I'm thinking about it, though, I think the voter is the real winner.

Turnout was not as high as I remember it being the last time I attended such a forum for a local election, in 2005, but there was a good crowd -- including many city employees -- at the Saratoga Springs High School, and the questions brought forth by the public made one thing clear: people are scared about the prospect of skyrocketing taxes, but also don't want to turn a cold shoulder to the men and women who have faithfully served the city.

The candidates have a tough line to walk. The Democrat's firm line against layoffs will likely curry them favor with the city's unions, but most of the city's residents are not union members, and the Republican candidates' stance on holding the line on taxes will aid them at the polls.

But the chance to see the candidates in action, so to speak, was a good chance for everyone at the forum, and I hope that more will turnout for the the Mayoral and Finance candidates, to meet at a forum next week.