A brand new poll by Spectrum News, Syracuse.com and Siena College, shows a two-way race for Syracuse mayor. But -- it's now Ben Walsh who has the lead, as opposed last month's poll that showed Juanita Perez Williams out in front. The poll also asked likely voters about the issues affecting the city, and what they want out of their next mayor. Iris St. Meran reports.

SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- When it comes to rating the issues, priorities and what's most important for Syracuse residents, the answer depends on who you ask. We polled 620 likely voters in Syracuse between October 29 and November 1. That group of people was split on the single most important issue they would like the next mayor to address first.

"People have different points of view in terms of what's the most important issue," Steven Greenberg, a Siena Research Institute pollster.

Crime and public safety -- jobs and the economy were the top both having 26 percent. Not far behind was poverty at 23 percent, and public school performance was 14 percent.

"For Perez Williams voters, jobs and the economy is number one, not far behind it, is the issue of poverty,” Greenberg explained. “But for Walsh voters, the number one issue is crime and public safety. So, I think you're going to see the campaigns reflect that in these closing days."

One thing that is clear is an overwhelming number of people polled said what was most important to them was a candidate most willing to make changes -- and that came in with 66 percent.

"And it's interesting because supporters of all the candidates say that," Greenberg said. 

Syracuse is headed in the wrong direction according to 47 percent of likely voters; 43 percent said the Salt City was on the right track.

"Only Perez Williams voters think the city is on the right track,” said Greenberg, “Walsh voters overwhelmingly think the city is headed in the wrong direction. So Perez Williams has a careful line she has to walk here because her supporters think the city is headed in the right direction, but her supporters also want to see change in the city of Syracuse."

While change is at the top of their list, our previous poll showed many likely voters had a favorable opinion of outgoing Mayor Stephanie Miner.

So what is it that they are looking for?

"Someone to lead them; to lead the city, bring the jobs to the city, to keep the city safe, to make sure the city continues moving forward in a positive light," said Greenberg.

The margin of error in the poll was +/- 4.3 percent.