With Election Day fast approaching, residents in the 24th Congressional District are trying to get educated on their candidates and where they stand.  

"We're hoping to get it right from the horses mouth so to speak," said Linda Brown-Robinson, the president of the Syracuse Chapter of the NAACP. "We'll hear it right from the candidates without the political rhetoric."

Hosted by the Syracuse and Onondaga County NAACP, John Katko and Dana Balter answered questions from constituents in Syracuse Sunday night. Pre-selected questions focused on topics of education, prison reform, and the rhetoric of President Trump, which both candidates agreed can be toxic.

"It's corrosive," Katko Said and. "I think it's a problem. I have said time and again, I wish he would put away his Twitter account for good." 

Balter agreed the president's rhetoric can be dangerous, but she says Katko hasn't fought against it hard enough against President Trump.

The two also agreed student debt is an issue that needs to be fixed in Central New York. Katko said he supports an expansion of opportunity for colleges, vocational and technical schools. Balter says there needs to be a tuition-free option for colleges and trade schools. 

"Everybody who wants to access higher education should have the opportunity to do it without mortgaging the rest of their life," said Balter.

The closing question for each candidate was about people of color on their staffs. Dana Balter said she has three organizers of color — 20 percent of her staff. Congressman Katko currently has none, though he says he's had employees and interns of color in the past.

A debate between both candidates will be airing on Spectrum News November 1 at 7 p.m., hosted by Spectrum's own Liz Benjamin and Jeevan Vittal.