Six candidates are vying for the chance to be Paterson’s newest mayor.

The candidates are: Paterson Police Union President Alex Cruz; Paterson councilmen Andre Sayegh, Bill McKoy, Michael Jackson and Alex Mendez; and Paterson police telecommunications analyst Pedro Rodriguez.

Five out of the six men attended a forum Wednesday at the Great Falls Youth Center – Councilman Mendez was not able to attend. They discussed ways that they would improve the city, such as dealing with the opioid crisis, shutting down troubled businesses and improving education.

The new mayor will replace former Mayor Joey Torres, who is currently serving a prison sentence for corruption.

The election will be held May 8.