MANCHESTER, N.H. —

The candidates for mayor of Manchester met Monday for their first debate at the New Hampshire Institute of Politics.

The Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce hosted the debate, featuring Republican incumbent Mayor Jay Ruais and Democratic challenger Jessica Spillers.

Candidates discussed a range of issues important to the local business community, including how the city should address homelessness.

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Spillers said the citywide ban on camping isn't solving the problem.

"We're playing human whack-a-mole by enforcing some of these ordinances and forcing people out of encampments. I understand the concerns with the camping but that's not the way we address homelessness at its core," sh

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