|Mount Vernon Mayor Richard Thomas addressed several concerns Thursday night at a town hall-style meeting.

Many topics were on the agenda for concerned residents during a turbulent time in the city. One of which was the firing of Police Commissioner Shawn Harris. But the forum was actually organized to discuss the future of Memorial Field, sewage infrastructure and the city charter.

Thomas shared a panel with county Legislator Lyndon Williams, Assemblyman Gary Pretlow and Councilwoman Janice Duarte. Duarte says dysfunction stems from a lack of trust, and procedures within the city charter just aren't being followed.

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"It builds up to a point when it becomes a crisis," says Duarte.

Mount Vernon has been plagued with a laundry list of challenges, with the political blame game making more headlines. Neighbors felt they were left with little resolution.

"I hope to get better direction and some better leadership," says Mount Vernon resident John McGlynn.