Two candidates running to be Oakland’s next mayor in April’s special election went head-to-head in a debate about how they would address the city’s most pressing issues. Former U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee and former Oakland City Councilmember Loren Taylor are vying in the April 15 election to replace former mayor Sheng Thao,

The April 15 special election comes as Oakland faces an $89 million budget deficit that has already led to layoffs.