ASBURY PARK — Federal immigration arrests were a main theme as Asbury Park candidates for mayor, City Council and the Board of Education answered questions from local young people in a series of video interviews posted ahead of the Nov. 3 election.

The interviews, produced with The Asbury Park Reporter, were posted online this week. Students asked each candidate a set list of questions about immigration enforcement, taxes, parking, recreation and the city's West Side.

Mayor's race

Mayoral candidate Amy Quinn said the ICE issue "has been very difficult for the city." She said the city works with a local nonprofit, which she did not name, that helps families after a relative is picked up by guiding them through the legal process and, when possible, providing money. She also said volunteers who tend the community garden at City Hall are delivering fresh food to residents' homes, and that the city is trying not to draw attention to Asbury Park.

Dan Sciannameo, also running for mayor, said he is "appalled" by what ICE is doing. He said he didn't know what he could legally do as mayor, but described a recent arrest of someone going to a food kitchen in town. He said enforcement is making people afraid to report crimes, which leaves the most vulnerable residents open to being preyed upon, and he promised outreach.

On taxes, Quinn said she is working with the city's state legislators to change the school funding formula. She questioned how the state could decide the district doesn't need $36 million in aid. Sciannameo criticized the city's waterfront redevelopment deals and said the City Council has not worked with the school board.

Council and school board

Council candidate Al DiGiulio, who said he has practiced criminal law for 32 years, said council members should "be present" when federal agents are in the community and make sure they act within their legal powers.

Several school board candidates also addressed immigration. Scott Barnett called ICE's work in the city "totally unacceptable" and said it is "terrorizing our residents." He said some schools have changed drop-off procedures so children are dropped off in school parking lots, out of ICE's reach.

Takiya Foster said the board's job is to protect students, and that her understanding is ICE is not currently allowed in schools. Cary Dym, who said he is running on a slate with Foster and Johnny Walker, said a friend who runs several restaurants and businesses in Asbury Park was recently detained. He said schools have to be a safe place, and called for longer school days and more after-school activities.

Council candidate Garrett Giberson said the West Side, especially the southwest, has been neglected, and said city residents should get reduced-rate or free parking. Several candidates, including Giberson and Sciannameo, said the council and school board should work together more closely.

The interviews include only the candidates who took part in the series.