Vallas, Johnson distance themselves from past comments on curbing crime at public safety forum

Brandon Johnson and Paul Vallas met Tuesday night at the UIC Forum to debate public safety. Both appeared to step back from previous statements on responses to crime. (Emmanuel Camarillo/Sun-Times)

Mayoral hopefuls Brandon Johnson and Paul Vallas expanded on their different approaches to tackling crime in the city during a debate on public safety Tuesday at the UIC Forum.

Both candidates appeared to take a step back from comments they have made in the past about their philosophies toward solving the issue, which has dominated much of the mayoral campaign so far.