Dozens filled seats in Hazel Elementary School's gym Monday night to hear the West Orange council candidates (Ron Charles, Joe Krakoviak and Elnardo Webster Sr.) answer five questions prepared by residents. Watch the video (at right) for more details or view photos and read the event's live blog (below). The election is set for Nov. 2.

8:17 p.m.: The debate has ended. Check back for a video of tonight's event. 

8:15 p.m.: The question portion of the debate has ended. Candidates have three minutes to wrap up with closing statements. 

Krakoviak continues to emphasize the issue of taxes and the need for fiscal responsibility. "I want to say yes to full transparency and accountability," he said. 

Charles said, "I have not given up on West Orange." "I will put aside old style politics and open up new style politics," he said. 

Webster said, "There is a fiscal challenge, there's a community spirit challenge, there's a quality of life challenge." He pledged to stabilize taxes. "I'm a fit for these times," he said. "We need experienced leadership...West Orange is a town worth fighting for."

8:10 p.m.: The last question of the debate speaks to diversity. What would be your ideas on how to make the Valley and West Orange more culturally inclusive? 

Krakoviak said the single best way is, "to get our taxes in line...to increase our attractiveness to residents." He said the diversity of West Orange is one of the reasons why he moved here. 

Candidate Charles said, "By sharing with different cultures, each of our children and adults can learn from each other. " 

Webster said, "(Diversity) is not just something that requires us to look at things from a cultural perspective, but it's a way of thinking ... that will foster good community spirit." He said diversity needs to be promoted through the entire council. 

8 p.m.: Fourth question is about education. How can you keep West Orange competitive at the elementary and middle school levels while remaining fiscally responsible?

Krakoviak responds, "We need to keep looking for ways to continue improving the quality of our schools." He said after school programs are playing a large role in promoting education. He wants to improve these programs so that youngsters, "don't fall through the cracks." 

Charles said he wants to further develop after school programs, sports programs and programs that develop culture and diversity. 

Webster said, "As a former superintendent, I have that expertise." He said he is a "national expert in expanding learning." 

7:50 p.m.: Second question of the debate: What would be your ideas to continue and encourage development within the Valley area? Webster said he wants to see development that enhances the museums and that brings in educative, cultural and historical elements. 

Third question is about safety. Charles said his background for the past 25 years has been public safety. He said he would not support reduction of the police force and would like to see the development of more community-based public safety. 

Webster wants to prevent the youth from getting involved in criminal activities. He said he wants to work on prevention, having more effective and engaging after school programs.

7:40 p.m.: First question of the debate: What do you think the best way to promote West Orange would be? Krakoviak responds first. "No one likes what they believe is negative press," he said. He suggests the first step is to address the root problem which is the complaint of the residents. He said people love the town but don't like the tax increases. 

7:35 p.m.: Charles said, "I will bring a fresh management experience to West Orange." He plans to control taxes and spending and make West Orange a place, where the young and old can afford to eat and shop together in an affordable way.

Webster said, "I'm the only educator that's on council, I'm very familiar with the school budget." If we are to be frugal ... we need to understand the intricacies of the school budget," he said. Webster was appointed to the council on July 20, 2010. 

7:30 p.m.: "Each candidate will be given five minutes to introduce themselves and state their platform," said Ridley. "This is not a direct debate forum. Candidates cannot rebut another candidate's answers."

Krakoviak is introducing himself. "I love this town and I've been serving this community in a variety of ways and I want to keep it up," he said. He said recent increases in the town's taxes are "unsustainable." He is calling for greater fiscal responsibility and transparency. With his financial background, he wants to keep West Orange a great place to live and an affordable place to live. 

7:25 p.m.: Candidates have taken a seat. Ridley is introducing the candidates to the applause of the crowd. 

7:17 p.m.: Webster has just arrived. The debate is about to begin. It will be moderated by Jonathan Ridley, vice chairperson of Valley Community Watch. 

7:15 p.m.: Charles is going around introducing himself to the crowd. Refreshments and snacks are available for the public. 

7:10 p.m.: More patrons are starting to stream in. Candidate Krakoviak has taken a front seat with his family as he waits for the debate to begin. Charles has just arrived. The debate will begin with short introductions by each candidate. Five questions will be posed for each participant to answer.  The questions were provided by residents. 

6:55 p.m.: A little more than a dozen residents have trickled into Hazel Elementary School in West Orange, readying for the candidates' comments. The event is set to start at 7 p.m. Candidates are Ron Charles, Joe Krakoviak and Elnardo Webster Sr. 

This is a live blog that will be updated throughout the event. It is slated to end around 8 p.m.