EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — The two candidates running for mayor of Cranston faced off Friday in the final debate hosted by 12 News of this election cycle. Mayor Ken Hopkins, a Republican, and City Councilman Robert Ferri, a Democrat, didn't hold back while debating topics such as city spending, homelessness and a lawsuit accusing the mayor of stealing a car in 2021. The 30-minute, commercial-free debate was moderated by Target 12 Chief Investigative Reporter Tim White and 12 News Politics Editor Ted Nesi. The candidate who wins in November will serve a four-year term as mayor. WATCH: Cranston Mayoral Debate On the issue of homelessness, Ferri said it's possible to deal with the situation "and maintain public safety at the same time." Ferri also criticized an executive order by Hopkins that would let police break up homeless encampments. "My opponent feels that making homelessness a crime is the way to solve the problem," Ferri said. "If you just move the homeless people from one place to another, you're not solving the problem." In response to Ferri's criticism, Hopkins said an issue that came with the encampments was "the lawlessness." "We had areas of prostitution," Hopkins explained. "We had drug deals, we had homeless encampments where there were rats, there were feces, human waste -- the conditions in a neighborhood or close to a school were intolerable for the people that live in that area." The mayor also mentioned how there's already a state-run homeless shelter: Harrington Hall. Cranston had the second-lowest rainy day fund last year, according to a recent report by the state's auditor general on municipal finances. When asked if the city is spending too much, Hopkins disagreed, saying there was a reduction in spending "by $7 million" over the last couple of years. "Coming out of COVID, yeah, we had some issues that had to be addressed," Hopkins said. "I actually inherited over a $7 million budget deficit." Ferri, however, said misspending of the city's ARPA money will create a structural deficit. "If we have a surplus, then why are we borrowing money to do vanity projects and underfunding our schools and cutting back on our services with the city?" Ferri asked. During a portion of the debate focused on allegations that Hopkins took a classic car without paying for it, the gloves came off for both candidates. Hopkins emphasized that he and Davide C. Broccoli, who is suing the mayor, had a "gentleman's agreement" and Broccoli refused to accept payment for the vehicle. "He handed me the keys," Hopkins said. "I bought that car because it was the initials of my late wife: MG." The mayor added that when he tried to pay for the car, he found out that Broccoli "owed $140,000 in back taxes." BACKGROUND: Cranston mayor sued after allegedly failing to pay for car taken 3 years ago Ferri, who has criticized Hopkins on the campaign trail about this topic, said he thinks one of three things happened: "He either stole the car, did a quid pro quo where he promised the guy a favor, or he just used poor judgement in his power." "You don't take a car, drive it, unregistered -- without a title, with a city plate on it -- it's just an unethical thing to do," the councilman added. In response, Hopkins emphasized that he isn't unethical and called Ferri's criticisms "Ferri tales." The City Council sent a resolution calling for an independent investigation to the Finance Committee last month. Ferri suggested he was at a debate that night and didn't recall being at the meeting when the vote took place. Reporting by the Cranston Herald said he was one of six votes in favor of sending the resolution to the committee. That vote is also reflected in a draft of meeting minutes. Both candidates were also asked who they'll be voting for in the race for president. Ferri, a former Republican, said he never voted for former President Donald Trump during his time with his old party and is voting for Vice President Kamala Harris. Hopkins said he'll be voting for "the endorsed Republican candidate." 12 News is Your Local Election Headquarters. Stay with us for in-depth coverage of all the key local races and storylines through Election Day. Your Local Election HQ☆ Latest Headlines »☆ Race Results »☆ Voter Guide »☆ Where They Stand » Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Nesi's Notes SIGN UP NOW