Schenectady residents will soon cast their ballots for the Democratic nominee for mayor. The race comes down to incumbent Mayor Gary McCarthy and City Council President Marion Porterfield.

McCarthy, who is seeking a fourth term, says his job is far from finished.

“It's to continue the progress that we've seen in this community over the last decade and a half. But clearly, there's a need for a focus on quality of life and continued investment in some of our residential real estate,” said McCarthy.

McCarthy has served as Schenectady’s mayor since 2011, touting accomplishments in job creation and improving housing. Looking to claim that seat, though, is Porterfield, who has spent 12 years on the city’s council coordinating programs for business ownership and crime prevention.

“I'm putting people first is really what I want to do, and what I’ve done since in my career in politics. We haven't had a comprehensive plan since 2008,” said Porterfield. “So, in order to do the things that need to happen in the city, we need to have a plan throughout the city so that we know when we've completed one thing, we go on to the next.”

She says part of that plan is fully staffing city hall — an issue that has long plagued the department — addressing blighted properties, and repaving roads.

“That is one of the largest complaints that I get from people when I’m going door to door. And I don't mean just doing election season because I stay plugged into the community regardless [of] whether I’m running or not,” said Porterfield. “And to just make sure that we are responsive as a city. I will start a communications department so that when people call, their calls are answered.”

Under McCarthy’s leadership, the mayor says, the city has seen six tax cuts; key investments like the Rivers Casino and Mohawk Harbor; and programs that target vacant properties.

“We have right now either undergoing or being completed a quarter of a billion dollars worth of investment in our neighborhoods in affordable housing. It is a record that other communities are envious of. People look to Schenectady to see how we've done it,” said McCarthy.

But he says there are still problems that he’s ready to tackle.

“It’s a big city. We still deal with code enforcement problems. We still deal with landlords who I’m not quite sure why they're in the business,” McCarthy said. “And it's a problem that not only Schenectady faces, but other communities face.”

If elected, Porterfield says with a plan comes progress.

“It looks like when we have the development that we are having a lot of development here. It looks like people who live here also being able to work here and be a part of that development and therefore to be able to make money that will circulate within our community and then helps our tax base. Overall, it looks like more home ownership,” said Porterfield.

After McCarthy and Porterfield decide the Democratic nomination, the winner will face Republican Matt Nelligan in the general election.