They are arguably the two top contenders in Saskatoon's race for mayor, and now Charlie Clark and Don Atchison have taken it up a notch with duelling media events.

I'm disappointed in Charlie Clark. - Don Atchison

The first salvo came yesterday from Clark. In a media release, Clark questioned the incumbent mayor's leadership abilities, and promised change.

"My goal as mayor will be to not just take credit for the things that have gone well in the city and celebrate those things," said Clark. "But when challenges come up, I'm going to roll up my sleeves and look at how we're going to solve it, rather than trying to make it somebody else's problem."

Atchison fired back today.

"I've called you here today to set the record straight," he told the assembled media.

Clark's scathing critique touched on a number of areas where he believes Atchison has failed to show leadership and take action. Clark offered examples ranging from high crime rates and provincial cuts to the Meewasin Valley Authority to Atchison's failure to attend Saskatoon's Pride Parade.

Atchison counters Clark's claims

Today, Atchison systematically dissected Clarke's accusations, and leveled a few challenges of his own.

"I don't mind debating the state of the city. I don't mind talking about where we are and where we are going. But let's be honest about it," Atchison said.

One area where Atchison has faced questions, and not just from Clark, is on crime. Today, he said he wants to assure everyone that he is not in denial about crime in the city. He suggested that much remains to be done, that pointed to programs that do work. Still, he thinks the city is on track.

"The numbers are showing that we are getting better in this area, as a matter of fact we are down in this area by 40 per cent in the past 10 years."

Atchison was also quick to address cuts to Meewasin, and the trail system along the river that is a vital part of the city's cultural fabric. The truth, according to Atchison, is that there are no cuts to funding, that the provincial government's commitment remains steady.

Atchison also reminded reporters that he has raised $16,000 for the MVA in a mayor's marathon last year, and then threw out this question to Clark.

"What has Charlie Clark done personally in his own time to raise money for the Meewasin trail?"

Atchison accuses Clark of low blow

Clark's written attack on Atchison's leadership also included random quotes on various topics gleaned from the city's media outlets including one from CBC Radio's Saskatoon Morning. It concerned racism, and Atchison suggested things were not as bad in Saskatoon as they are in Winnipeg.

On the quote Clark wrote that "the Mayor of Winnipeg stood up, addressed the problem and got to work" and that "Don Atchison's comments speak for themselves."

Atchison said Clark went too far.

"I'm disappointed in Charlie Clark; this one is a low blow."