FAIRHOPE, Ala. — The challengers in the Oct. 7 mayoral and Place 2 council runoffs came out swinging last week against their incumbent opponents.

Mayoral candidate Dean Mosher and Place 2 council candidate Danny Corte wasted no time after the Aug. 26 elections raising pointed questions about opponents Mayor Tim Kant and Councilman Dan Stankoski and their positions.

“The mayor is misleading the people when he says we have a surplus of $1.7 million,” Mosher said Thursday. “The reality is that we have borrowed $2.3 million to show that (surplus). It’s right there in the financial records.”

Kant responded Friday.

“Yes, we have borrowed money for the library and the pier last year,” Kant said. “But if our finances were in such bad shape, we wouldn’t have an A+ rating. Also, if the city was in such financial straits, you wouldn’t see as you drive around town all the flowers and utility services being delivered. Everything would be broken.”

Corte’s punch, while not specific, indicated sharper claims would follow.

“In talking with people, I understand Mr. Stankoski has made a lot of promises that he hasn’t delivered on,” Corte said Friday. “I won’t say anything specifically right now, but I will soon. That will be part of my strategy.”

Stankoski deflected that with a sharply worded statement.

“Until he says something specific, I’m not going to comment.” Stankoski said Friday. “I’m going to let him take that rope and run with it.”

All four candidates stated reasons why they believe they should be elected over their opponents.

“I have been a leader on two issues,” Stankoski said. “One is to get the finances under control and provide a true picture of where we are and where we want to be. The other is always promoting openness and fairness in government and an opportunity for citizens to voice their opinions and be heard.”

Corte emphasized being a part of the Fairhope area for a long time.

“I understand why people who grew up here stay here and why new people move here,” he said. “I’m better prepared because of the roots I have and my understanding of the city to keep Fairhope the way it is going forward.”

Mosher focused on several issues he made during his campaign.

“To restore honesty, integrity, transparency and fiscal responsibility to Fairhope,” he said. “To separate the mayor and superintendent of utilities. To make actionable our village master plan. Bring economic stability to our city as we are projected to double in population with the next decade.”

Kant emphasized what he has learned as a two-term mayor, a kind of jab of his own.

“I think at the end of the day experience does matter,” Kant said. “When we’re facing another hurricane, do people want someone who is learning on the job or already been there?”