Monroe County executive debate: Adam Bello and Mark Assini to meet Thursday: What to know

Monroe County Executive Adam Bello will debate his Republican challenger, Mark Assini, at 8 p.m. Thursday, the only scheduled debate between the two contestants for the county's top elected job.

Bello, a Democrat, was first elected in 2019, defeating Republican Cheryl Dinolfo. His first term has been dominated by the local response to COVID-19, both in public health and in the increased demand on various social services that the county provides.

Assini is the former Gates town supervisor. He ran for the U.S. House of Representatives in 2014 against longtime incumbent Democrat Louise Slaughter and came within half a percentage point of knocking her off. He tried again in 2016 but lost by a greater margin.

When is the Monroe County Executive debate?

The debate will be at 8 p.m. Thursday and broadcast on WXXI-TV. WXXI's Evan Dawson will moderate and there will be four panelists from the local media, including Rob Bell of the Democrat and Chronicle.

Who is running for Monroe County Executive?

Democratic incumbent Adam Bello is being challenged by Republican Mark Assini. Bello is also on the Working Families Party line, while Assini is also on the Conservative Party line.

How can I watch the Monroe County Executive debate?

The debate will be shown on WXXI-TV (Channel 21) and also livestreamed at www.democratandchronicle.com.

More: Who's on the ballot in Monroe County for the 2023 election?

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Bello and Assini to debate for Monroe County executive: What to know