Three candidates vying to become the next Manhattan borough president went head-to-head in a NY1 debate.

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Three candidates vying to become the next Manhattan borough president went head-to-head in a NY1 debate

The seat is currently occupied by Mark Levine, who is running for city comptroller

Early voting for the primary election is from Saturday, June 14 to Sunday, June 22. Election Day is Tuesday, June 24

The candidates include state Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal, who represents parts of the west side of Manhattan; Councilman Keith Powers, who represents parts of the east side of Manhattan; and Calvin Sun, who is an emergency physician.

The seat is currently occupied by Mark Levine, who is running for city comptroller.

Since it rolled out in January, the MTA argues that data shows congestion pricing below 60th Street is working by raising revenue and cutting down on Manhattan traffic.

Hoylman-Sigal said the plan has been a “resounding success.”

“It’s not just cleaning the air and making traffic move more quickly. It is quite literally saving lives,” he said, adding that he thinks it’s “an example for the rest of the nation.”

Sun said even though he is supportive of congestion pricing, he believes they can “make it smarter.”

“If you’re telling me that our air quality is improving, the data is working, I’m not inhaling carcinogenic pollutants in my lungs, let’s keep that going. But we can make it smarter,” he said. “I’m advocating for a dynamic model of congestion pricing so New Yorkers have a chance to work together and gamify it so that we can not initiate a higher congestion pricing, surge pricing level, so we don’t have to end up punishing all New Yorkers.”

Powers also agreed that the plan is working for New Yorkers and is pushing for commuters to use public transportation more.

“I think we have to lean into more bolder transportation options now. As part of my campaign, I’m riding every single bus in the borough to highlight the need for faster, more quicker buses,” he said. “Let’s go further. Let’s go invest in our public transportation system.”

The three candidates did agree that there should be exemptions. Hoylman-Sigal and Powers called for residential exemptions, and Sun called for exemptions for low-income New Yorkers.

Early voting for the primary election is from Saturday, June 14 to Sunday, June 22. Election Day is Tuesday, June 24.