ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Violent crime and criminal justice reforms are a pair of issues defining these midterm elections.

Rochester's violent crime has tapered in October as there have been fewer deadly attacks.

Mayor Malik Evans extended his administration's gun violence state of emergency for the third time. The city of Rochester currently has 68 homicides so far this year.

With that declaration comes a significant investment in youth. Aid from the American Recovery Act is creating a new generation of agencies and efforts to show youth the way.

Spectrum News 1 anchor Jim Aroune spent time one-on-one with Mayor Evans and learned why he believes it's just as important as public safety initiatives to end the poverty that creates crime and challenges neighborhoods.

Click here to see part two of Jim's interview with Mayor Evans.