DeKALB – How DeKalb's mayoral candidates would tackle economic development, the library's proposed expansion and their relationship with Northern Illinois University were brought out at Thursday's candidate night.

Each of the candidates said they would protect and invest in existing businesses before using public money to bring in outside businesses. Where the candidates differed was how incentives like tax increment financing would be used.

"The free market should decide if it makes sense to come here," said candidate David Jacobson, 1st Ward alderman. "Why are the taxpayers paying you for the opportunity?"