With so many candidates running to become Boston's next mayor, it can be hard for an average voter to keep track of everyone's stance on the big issues of the race. To that end, Dotnews.com is talking to each of the candidates about four of the overarching issues that affect the city: public safety, education, development and the shift away from Mayor Thomas Menino's policies. To see the candidate's full response about how to make Boston safer, just click on the banner above his or her name.

The first part of the series collects the candidates' views on crime and public safety Boston:

Note: The campaign of Charles Clemons did not respond to several requests for participation in the video series. Candidate David Wyatt could not be reached before the series' deadline. The Reporter hopes to include both Clemons and Wyatt in future videos.