In a preview of the election, candidates in two local races squared off last night.

At Ann Arbor Community Television Studios, Tom Wall, the eccentric independent mayoral candidate, debated incumbent Democrat John Hieftje in an event sponsored by the League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political activist group.

Wall faces an uphill battle against Hieftje, who is known for his stalwart dedication to the environment and conservation.

Wall had one refrain he was fond of repeating: "Get on the ball, and vote for Wall."

Some of Hieftje's initiatives include his Green Energy Challenge program, which stipulates that the city government must use at least 30 percent renewable energy by 2010, and his Greenbelt Initiative, which preserves green space outside the city.

Throughout the debate, Wall was seemed less composed than his opponent but communicated his strong affect for Ann Arbor.

"I love the restaurants in Ann Arbor," Wall said. "As you can tell, I'm a little overweight. I've got to stop."

Hiefjte cited accomplishments under his watch. He added that he plans to continue this productive streak should he be re-elected.

"I want to continue working on the green energy challenge, to cut down air pollution and greenhouse gases," he said.

Wall explained his dislike of politicians and said he wants to be a mayor of the people.

Hieftje responded by saying that his administration eschews typical political posturing.

"This is an open and transparent government," he said. "I am one of the most accessible mayors."

The mayoral debate was preceded by a City Council Ward 3 debate between Democratic candidate Stephen Kunselman and Green Party candidate Peter Schermerhorn. Kunselman said he stands out from other candidates because he is the only one who openly opposes the Allen Creek Greenway.

Schermerhorn calls himself an "innovative, out-of-the-box, thinker and doer."

He said redefining affordable housing would increase diversity in the city of Ann Arbor.

The debates were held in a near-empty Community Television Studios room. The questions posed to the candidates were mainly focused on the business climate in Ann Arbor, the homeland security funds received by the city and the state of the Allen Creek Greenway. Candidates touched only briefly on issues directly concerning the University.

After the debates, all the candidates quickly shuffled out of the building - except Wall.

Wall described a "super mayor" costume he intends to wear in front of the Michigan Union to make students aware of his candidacy.

"I'll be singing a special song and handing out candy, there will be Little League cheerleaders with me and also a three-piece band," he said.

Wall compared himself to Robin Williams, who stars in "Man of the Year," a movie about a presidential candidate who isn't quite as serious as most.

"I like fun stuff," he said. "I do more silly things than Robin Williams can even come up with."

Debates in brief

City Council Ward 3 - Steve Kunselman (D) vs. Peter Schermerhorn (Green)

Mayor - Incumbent John Hieftje (D) vs. Challenger Tom Wall (Independent)