Questions to Ask a Mayor Candidate
Critical questions to evaluate mayoral candidates, understand their vision, and make informed voting decisions about local leadership.
1What is your vision for our city's future?
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What is your vision for our city's future?
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Why this works
Reveals overall direction, priorities, and whether they have coherent long-term thinking.
2What are the top three issues you'll address in your first year?
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What are the top three issues you'll address in your first year?
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Why this works
Shows immediate priorities, realistic goal-setting, and what they'll actually focus on.
3How will you address our city's housing affordability crisis?
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How will you address our city's housing affordability crisis?
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Why this works
Tests understanding of complex issue and whether they have substantive solutions versus platitudes.
4What is your plan for improving public transportation and infrastructure?
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What is your plan for improving public transportation and infrastructure?
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Why this works
Indicates commitment to mobility, investment priorities, and urban planning approach.
5How do you plan to support local businesses and economic development?
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How do you plan to support local businesses and economic development?
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Why this works
Shows understanding of business climate, job creation strategies, and economic vision.
6What will you do to improve public safety while maintaining community trust?
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What will you do to improve public safety while maintaining community trust?
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Why this works
Reveals balance between security and civil liberties, police reform stance, and safety approach.
7How will you ensure transparency and accountability in city government?
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How will you ensure transparency and accountability in city government?
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Why this works
Tests commitment to open government, ethics standards, and willingness to be held accountable.
8What is your stance on environmental sustainability and climate action?
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What is your stance on environmental sustainability and climate action?
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Why this works
Shows environmental priorities, climate change response, and sustainability commitments.
9How will you address homelessness in our community?
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How will you address homelessness in our community?
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Why this works
Reveals compassion, practical solutions, and understanding of root causes versus surface fixes.
10What experience do you have that prepares you to be mayor?
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What experience do you have that prepares you to be mayor?
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Why this works
Indicates relevant background, leadership experience, and what qualifies them for this role.
11How will you work with the city council when there's disagreement?
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How will you work with the city council when there's disagreement?
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Why this works
Shows collaboration skills, conflict resolution approach, and whether they'll build consensus.
12What is your plan for managing the city budget and addressing fiscal challenges?
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What is your plan for managing the city budget and addressing fiscal challenges?
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Why this works
Tests financial competence, spending priorities, and understanding of budget realities.
13How will you ensure all neighborhoods receive fair investment and services?
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How will you ensure all neighborhoods receive fair investment and services?
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Why this works
Reveals commitment to equity, awareness of disparities, and willingness to address inequality.
14What will you do to improve our schools and education system?
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What will you do to improve our schools and education system?
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Why this works
Shows education priorities and understanding of mayor's role in school quality.
15How will you attract and retain young professionals and families?
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How will you attract and retain young professionals and families?
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Why this works
Indicates growth strategy, quality of life priorities, and long-term population planning.
16What is your position on affordable housing mandates and zoning reforms?
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What is your position on affordable housing mandates and zoning reforms?
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Why this works
Tests willingness to make tough decisions on development, NIMBYism, and housing supply.
17How will you engage citizens in decision-making processes?
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How will you engage citizens in decision-making processes?
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Why this works
Shows commitment to democratic participation beyond elections and openness to public input.
18What partnerships will you pursue with county, state, or federal government?
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What partnerships will you pursue with county, state, or federal government?
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Why this works
Reveals understanding of governmental relationships and ability to leverage external resources.
19How will you measure success as mayor?
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How will you measure success as mayor?
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Why this works
Indicates accountability standards, concrete goals, and what metrics they'll use.
20Why are you running for mayor, and what makes you the best choice?
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Why are you running for mayor, and what makes you the best choice?
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Why this works
Shows motivation, values, and whether they're running for right reasons versus ego.
How to Use These Questions
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
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