OVER-THE-RHINE - Somebody said "Society of Professional Journalists," so the Cincinnati Dealer showed up.

Tuesday night's mayoral debate at alchemize in Over-The-Rhine pitted the confident, bordering on arrogant, Mark Mallory against detail-oriented, bordering on uptight anal-compulsive, David Pepper.  The debate was moderated by Regina Russo and paneled by Mike Altman of QCF and Tiana Rollinson of the Cincinnati Herald. I guess they heard the part about "Professional Journalists" too.

The crowd was lively, applauding after every answer for some reason.  Questions centered heavily on youth, education, crime, and businesses and homeownership in the CBD and OTR.

Both candidates were on their games all night long. Asked a question about the residential atmosphere downtown, Pepper stated, "I've been to cities." In discussing what is needed at youth recreational centers, Mallory said, "I've been informed that we need GIRLS."

One inane question asking the candidates if they had contributed to the Hurrican Katrina relief fund drew confused stares.

Another question requested candidate to close their eyes and then posed a hypothetical scenario about a poverty-stricken youth. While everyone's eyes were closed, Pepper snuck out the door, concluding the debate.