Now that the initial flurry of candidates filing has ended, the waiting game is setting in.
As expected, Mayor Van Bynen, and Councillors Kerwin, Twinney & Sponga filed nomination papers for re-election early. Frankly, there was nowhere else for them to go.
I expect that Councillor Hempen won't challenge for a higher posting either. In fact, in an earlier tweet, Councillor Hempen announced that he was 99% certain that he would run for re-election but was planning on waiting until March to decide.
The other councillors are waiting to see who will make their move first before committing themselves.
Months ago, Regional Councillor Taylor announced that he would seek re-election as Regional Councillor. But recent foul-ups with garbage collection served to accentuate the fact that a general sense of change is in the air. I am hearing that John Taylor is once again putting out feelers to gauge support for a run at the mayor's chair.
If he does step up, it wouldn't surprise anyone to see Councillors Emanuel and Vegh challenge for the Regional Councillor post. Both are multi-term incumbents and both are itching for a better pay grade.
What is causing them all to lie awake at night is the worry that they do not have any certainty as to what Councillor Di Muccio intends to do.
If she decides to seek re-election in Ward 6, Taylor will likely go for Mayor and Emanuel/ Vegh will face off at Regional Councillor.
If she decides to challenge Van Bynen, the others will seek re-election in their current posts.
None of them like the prospect of going head to head with Councillor Di Muccio as she has shown to be very tough to beat. Despite everything that they have put her through, she remains more popular than ever these days.
In my estimation, it will be at least a couple of months before the next major name is nominated for the 2014 election. When that happens, the campaigning will begin in earnest.
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