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CHARLOTTE – Six months before Election Day, democrat Anthony Foxx and republican John Lassiter squared off Tuesday night in a forum focused on issues and challenges in east Charlotte.

Foxx and Lassiter promised they’d be on east Charlotte’s side, including the pursuit of a light rail line between traffic on Independence Boulevard. A Bus Rapid Transit Line is the current plan.

“I think we’ve got to take a deep breath, take another look at it, and I would commit to do that as your mayor,” Foxx said.

“There is not a rail line to use, for the benefit of what we used on South Boulevard, the benefit we are going to use in the northeast,” Lassiter said.

The candidates also promised to be tough on zoning standards so that more businesses can thrive once the economy turns around.

“We’re going to begin to see people coming in, buying these parcels and work with the city where we’ll be glad to zone them a different way to make them more consistent with the long-term need of the community,” Lassiter said.

“The more we invest in putting sidewalks, curbs, gutters, planning strips in your neighborhoods, beautifying them and giving them vitality, the better the environment is for commerce,” Foxx said.

Central to east Charlotte’s revitalization is reworking the struggling Eastland Mall Shopping Center. Both candidates promised to stay on the project, but also make sure it’s done right.

“I commit to you to keep my ear to the ground and make sure that I and the staff are current to what’s going on,” Foxx said.

“A place where you can work, a place where you can play, a place where you can get community services, and a place where you can live,” Lassiter said.

According to a mayoral campaign spokesperson, Tuesday was the third forum between Foxx and Lassiter. There are expected to be more, though there’s no official date or place for the next forum.