SAN BERNARDINO >> Mayoral candidates had four minutes each on Tuesday to interest San Bernardino Valley College students in their campaigns, then another hour to speak one-on-one and potentially close the deal.

It was the first mayoral forum at the school in anyone’s memory, said interim President Gloria Fisher, who said this was a forum “by students and for students.”

The Associated Student Government hosted the forum and submitted seven questions, although at least three candidates said they didn’t receive the questions.

Regardless, youth was a focus for most candidates.

“They are far more adept than we are at computers, things like CAD (computer aided-design) and programs that are three-dimensional, but we don’t allow it,” said Richard Castro, a retired teacher and coach. “Yes, I’m old… but I’m also wise. We need to work with our youth.”

One of the questions asked whether the candidate supported or opposed the city’s ban on medical marijuana dispensaries.

“Everything is permissable with discretion,” said real estate broker Karmel Roe, who said less focus on drug users would free up police to focus on major crimes like rape and murder.

Others stood by the city’s policy, including Councilwoman Wendy McCammack.

“I have no problem with people using what’s legal,” McCammack said, but she does have a problem with dispensaries that disrupt nearby businesses. “I’m sorry if that’s not the answer you wanted.”

Students also asked what they would tell a young person graduating from a San Bernardino college who wanted to live in San Bernardino but couldn’t find a good job, which many said was a common situation.

“Our community has a lot of challenges, but our No. 1 challenge is far too many young people are leaving,” City Councilman Chas Kelley said.

Kelley said development like that he’s fostered on the city’s north end — as part of a citywide economic strategic plan — would be key to making people stay.

Start-up founder Matt Korner said “strip malls” and “suburban sprawl” like that weren’t the answer. Instead, he said the city should capitalize on the sbX bus line and Metrolink and bring in development like Redlands-based Esri.

As students prepared to meet with the candidates — many with a notebook in hand — event emcee Ed Millican encouraged anyone inspired by the candidates to join a campaign.

“Be part of the solution,” he said.