(WHAS11)-Some are calling it the most important mayoral race in roughly 20 years in Kentuckiana.
Thursday, many of the candidates met in downtown Louisville to talk about some hot button issues.
Critics say this is also the most wide-open race for mayor, with really no clear front runner.
Democrats Jim King, David Tandy, Tyler Allen, Greg Fischer and Shannon White, along with Republicans Hal Heiner, Chris Thieneman and Independent Jackie Green spoke on various issues.
As the discussion and forum was about to start a moderator says: "remember this is a discussion, not a debate"
Each candidate had two minutes or less to talk.
The first main topic, issues with a slow planning and zoning system in the city.
Tandy says a central location would streamline the system.
Democrat David Tandy: "Is by creating a one start shop within our planning and zoning department. A shop where you as a developer can deal with one person throughout the process."
Also that was on the agenda the topics of new downtown development. Lobbying in Frankfort and working with Jefferson County delegates and creating 21st century metro parks.
Democrat Shannon White: "We need to cut through the duplicity and streamline the process so that Louisville is pro-business. So that we can get people back to work and while also the big projects are on hold. Smaller and medium sized development can grow our economy and bring people together."
Republican Chris Thieneman: "I want to hope to show you that with all the beatings I’ve taken, I’m still standing here and I’m here proudly that we can take back our government and make the decisions that they are not making for us."
Democrat Jim King: "Dollars will flow into Louisville as long as we have a safe city. Market driven dollars are what we need in this city and if we have a safe and educated workforce the dollars will flow here."
Republican Hal Heiner: "One area that we need to make a big improvement is in job attraction. Look at the cities surrounding Louisville. Look more south, east, west... We simply are not competing. Those cities grew by tens of thousands net new private jobs."
Independent Jackie Green: "There are three issues that are going to define this race... Transportation investment, urban growth pattern and many factors in Louisville being rated the 7th most dangerous community in the nation.
Democrat Greg Fischer: "My experience is that of a job creator. As a business creator, I've created over a dozen companies and thousands of jobs. I've been nationally recognized for leadership management and team building."
Democrat Tyler Allen: "Many of you know me from my activist work on 86/64 and i want you to know that I am very serious about this race and all of my work with that regard was completely dedicated to the question that was asked here."
