The debates were a partnership of Pittsfield Community Television and iBerkshires and moderated by Brittany Polito, iBerkshires' Pittsfield bureau chief.
Monday's debate between the seven candidates for the four councilor at large seats offered some substantive dialogue and disagreements that were largely in degree.
With about two weeks left until the general election, the candidates debated the management of schools, economic development, finances, and more to a packed crowd at Conte Community School.
Debates will be held on Sept. 5 at the Berkshire Athenaeum beginning at 5 p.m. with Ward 2 followed by Ward 7 at 6 p.m. and the mayoral debate at 7 p.m.
Krol, a former City Council vice president, and Marchetti, current City Council president, kept the conversation focused on the issues. Both "cheerleaders" of Pittsfield, their campaign styles were described as a difference of personality.
Incumbent Andrea Harrington touted the systemic changes she's made in the office during her 3 1/2 years in office while challenger Timothy Shugrue stressed his decades of experience on both sides in the courtroom during the sometimes heated debate.
The candidates answered 12 questions with an option for rebuttal, were able to ask each other one question, and gave opening and closing statements. Topics ranged from participation with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to the Western Mass Regional Women's Corrections Center and the office's budget.