One is a Democrat with an independent streak. The other is an outspoken Republican.

But Syracuse Mayor Stephanie Miner and Senator John DeFrancisco set aside their political differences on Monday to speak in Albany to speak on the issues and what’s wrong with New York.

“We think that to have a vibrant, civic dialogue is important and the fact that it’s been missing, we’ve all suffered for that,” Miner said.

Standing next to her, DeFrancisco leaned in and said, “Ditto.”

In a discussion moderated by SUNY New Paltz Professor Gerald Benjamin, Miner and DeFrancisco weighed in on issues like marijuana legalization, changing state government and infrastructure investment. In large part, they found common ground.

“If you’ve got roads and bridges that are unsafe and you’ve got sewer lines that are bursting, it’s a matter of priorities,” DeFrancisco said.

Miner agrees, saying the billions of dollars the state won in financial settlements should not have gone to Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s economic development programs.

“Not only was that money was that money squandered,” she said, “but it was doubly squandered because there were historically low interest rates and it would have allowed us to bond as twice as much.”

And both agreed there needs to be more participation in government by citizens, especially those who live upstate.

“I used to think that was because we weren’t paying attention,” Miner said. “Now I’ve gotten much more cynical about it. I think it’s because we’re not paying attention.”

Both Miner and DeFrancisco are considering running for governor against Cuomo, who is seeking a third term. Neither were ready to declare their intentions on Monday.

“I’ll make a decision as soon as I possibly can,” DeFrancisco said. “I don’t want to go on a fool’s errand, but on the other hand if there’s support there and there’s a reasonable chance to raise money and be a viable candidate, I’m going to go for it.”

Miner, who leaves office at the end of the year, is also weighing a bid for the seat held by Rep. John Katko.

“Right now, I’ve got so much on my plate that has a really hard deadline,” Miner said.