Newburgh mayoral candidates vow to stay tough on crime

Yesterday's mayoral primary in Newburgh was held on the same day that FBI agents arrested more than a dozen violent gang members in the city, and both the Democratic and Republican candidates say they support the raids that have taken place.
Candidate Judith Kennedy won the Democratic nomination for Newburgh mayor with 74 percent of the vote. She will now face Republican City Councilwoman Christine Bello in November's election.
With crime likely to be a hot topic in the race for mayor this fall, both candidates are talking about their plans to clean up the city.
Bello says she will fight proposed layoffs in the police department and encourage proactive policing in the community. Kennedy, however, says part of being tough on crime is pushing for programs for young people that provide them with a positive path and keep them out of gangs.
Both women say they fully support the FBI raids.
HV Primary Vote 2011 - Complete Election ResultsKennedy wins Democratic primary for Newburgh mayorHudson Valley gang raid results in 12 arrests