Mount Vernon's Democratic mayoral candidates debated live on News 12 Tuesday night.

There are five Democrats seeking their party's nomination, including incumbent Mayor Ernie Davis, who defended his guilty plea to federal tax charges last year. 

Davis is currently on probation after pleading guilty to not paying his taxes on time. He has been mayor for 16 out of the last 20 years.

State Sen. Ruth Hassell-Thompson criticized some of the city's failed projects and called for reforms to education and housing. She also said that her record in Albany and ability to encourage bipartisanship makes her the standout candidate.

Richard Thomas promoted his economic plan to invest in small businesses, and called for the city to crack down on the owners of so-called "zombie homes" as part of his plan for housing reform. Thomas is the youngest person ever elected to Mount Vernon's City Council.

Maureen Walker touted her experience as city comptroller and her run four years ago, which she lost by only about 100 votes.

Former Mayor Clinton Young proposed public housing reform and touted his record on taxes during his 10 years as mayor. Young had ousted Davis from office in 2007 but lost re-election in 2011.

Primary elections are scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 10.

Mt. Vernon councilmember Deborah Reynolds is running for mayor on the conservative party line. She'll take on the winner of the Democratic primary in the general election in November.