The race for mayor in Westchester County's largest city heated up Tuesday as the two Yonkers candidates squared off in the their first-ever debate.

Republican mayoral candidate Bill Nuckel, a former councilman-turned-Verizon executive, tried to convince voters that Democratic incumbent Mayor Mike Spano is unworthy of a second term in office. 

"The mismanagement of the city government is costing taxpayers every day," Nuckel said. "Should the mayor become the Democratic candidate for county executive and win that office, whoever takes over - you're in the wind."

Spano did not address growing speculation that he is mulling a run for the county executive position next year, but instead said that he is focused on the job he has now.

"We are going through a renaissance," Spano said. "GE is actually considering Yonkers for their world headquarters, I would bet that four years ago that wouldn't have happened."

Developers have poured about $1 billion into Yonkers under Spano's watch, but Nuckel said that the situation is not as rose-colored as the current mayor would have people believe.

Nuckel said that violent crimes were up 141 percent in January, February and March - most of which were crimes against women. He also contended that there is too much political influence in the Yonkers Police Department.

Spano countered by saying that despite that increased activity, the overall crime rate is down 25 percent from when he took office.

One thing on which both parties agreed was that education is their No. 1 priority, and that Albany must fix its funding formula that has short-changed the Yonkers School District.

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3.