The two men in the race to become Watertown's next mayor have a lot in common.

Both are business owners.

Both say they've been responsible for decisions and actions that have made the city a better place.

That's because both have spent a long time in city government.

Incumbent Mayor Jeff Graham has spent a total of 16 years in office in two separate two-term stretches.

Now looking for a fifth term, Graham says he's the best man for the job.

"I've demonstrated a proficiency in the office, an ability to lead the council, to build consensus and compromise, as well as I've been a mayor who's there. When there are events, I'm at them," said Graham

Jeff Smith says if elected mayor he would be too.

Currently serving his 10th year on city council, halfway through is third term, Smith says it's time for a new mayor to take the helm.

"I say the city can be a much better place and we can do better. Status quo isn't good enough," said Smith.

Smith has been pounding the pavement, meeting voters and laying out the details of his plans for the city's future.

"A lot of people actually care about and like my ideas in terms of recreation, renewable energy, of lowering the debt, those things that I have fought for," said Smith.

Graham says she has heard a different story from the people he has talked to along the campaign trail.

"I think the constituents, when I'm out, most often utter the phrase, if it isn't broke, don't fix it. People think things are going well," said Graham.

That's not to say there's not room for improvement.

"I think one of the things that I've embraced over the years in not just incremental improvements at our recreational facilities, but building a 21st century recreation department - something that's consumer oriented," said Graham.

Graham points to his record - pushing for the creation of a program manager position to deal with people like concert promoters and ball team owners - both of which butted heads with the city this summer.

On the city rec issue, Smith also points to Grahams record as a reason to support him instead.

"Three, four years ago when the Bernier Carr report came out and I was fighting for that new roof because it was leaking, he didn't support it. Now in an election year he does support that," said Smith.

At the end of the day what matters is who the voters will chose to support when they head to the polls on Tuesday.