(East St. Louis, IL) — Two of the three candidates in the mayor’s race in East St. Louis attended the first-ever debate for the city Friday night. Incumbent Alvin Parks Jr. and challenger Courtney Hoffman were at a local church, while Emeka Jackson-Hicks was apparently unable to attend because of a scheduling conflict. The two candidates talked about jobs, with Parks saying he’s worked on creating employment opportunities. Hoffman attacked Parks for unwise spending of tax increment financing money.