HOBOKEN - Michael Russo went to Hoboken High School. That in itself is not noteworthy.

But as Tuesday's mayoral debate chugged along - amid predictable accusations of candidates lying and taking cheap shots - Russo brought up his schooling, perhaps encouraged that the debate venue was the very same Hoboken High School.

"I actually walked these halls - that's the difference between you and I," Russo said, taking a swipe at

Emily Jabbour.

The issue was about a failed school construction referendum in 2022, but Russo's overall point was that he, a lifelong resident - and a son of a former mayor - is better equipped for the job. This is by no means a unique political argument, although not always a successful one.

Jabbour was born in Massachusetts and moved to Hoboken in 2008.

Both Russo and Jabbour are sitting council members. Russo represents the Third Ward; Jabbour was elected at large.

Jabbour beat Russo by a bit more than 500 votes on Nov. 4, but in a crowded field failed to get a majority of votes, necessitating a runoff next Tuesday in this Mile-Square City along the Hudson.

There are differences here and they were obvious from the get-go.

Jabbour read her opening statement, stressing her "love" for the city and her commitment to public service - from working to make sure garbage is picked up and potholes are filled.

Russo began by saying people already know who he is. He then told viewers who, or what, he isn't.

"I'm not a hypocrite and I'm not a liar."

He was angered by mailers and campaign statements that suggested he would do the bidding of his campaign donors. Not true at all, he said.

What Russo said he would do is work for all city residents - even those who may be Republicans. (They do exist in the city, although Hoboken, like Hudson County, is overly Democratic).

His charge was that Jabbour would work only for those who support her.

Not so, Jabbour retorted, saying she is devoted to public service and public service means a commitment to all.

All this had relevance to building affordable housing units, given the fact this work generally is done by well-heeled developers.

Russo asserted that he is better qualified to deal with developers than Jabbour is, an argument she, not surprisingly, rejected.

The angriest part of the debate occurred when Russo brought up what he said was a $150,000 campaign contribution to Jabbour from her husband, Peter.

For the record, the campaign finance report says this donation was made by Emily Jabbour to her own campaign.

At any rate, Jabbour responded quickly:

"Don't bring family into this," she said. "It's inappropriate."

There was predictable skirmishing over taxes.

Russo said that as a council member since 2018, Jabbour has consistently voted for tax increases.

Jabbour responded that Russo is hardly a budget hawk, contending that he has supported more than 80 percent of city bonding since coming to the council.

If there is one thing everyone living - and visiting - Hoboken probably agrees with, it's this: There is no place to park!.

Given the fact the city is a magnet for diners and revelers, this is a big problem.

Russo claimed Jabbour and the current city administration made things worse by devising a traffic plan that eliminated "hundreds" of parking spots.

Jabbour said only "illegal" spots were eliminated.

This was one of the exchanges that prompted Russo to tell his opponent to stop "lying."

As the debate ensued, Jabbour said that she deals with facts, and that facts tend to be "sticky."

Summing up, Russo said he didn't need the 60 seconds he was given for closing statements.

"You all know that there needs to be change in the city of Hoboken, because we need to make our lives better. On Dec. 2, vote Team Russo."

Jabbour's closing statement centered on her experience and professional demeanor.

"I don't yell and scream. I have a quiet sense of leadership. And I try to do what's right."