Coun. Alex Cullen is vying for the city's top job by becoming the first person to officially declare candidacy in Ottawa's race for mayor.

Cullen filed his paperwork for the upcoming fall election at Ottawa City Hall on Monday. The election is scheduled for Oct. 25.

Cullen intends to campaign against the Lansdowne Live plan, which he voted against in November.

He will also be campaigning for the appointment of an integrity commissioner who would oversee lobbying efforts.

Cullen told reporters he won't be accepting financial support from corporations or unions. Rather, his campaign will be supported by donations from individual voters.

"These are fine organizations in their own right, but they do not elect anybody. Their money though, certainly helps shape the city council. I don't think that's a good thing; I think that should be left to voters," Cullen said.

Other contenders?

While Cullen has been vocal for several months about his mayoral ambitions; incumbent Mayor Larry O'Brien has not indicated whether he will seek a second term in office.

O'Brien said he would take the holidays to consider his future before making an announcement. CTV Ottawa was told on Monday that the mayor will not make any such announcement this week.

Another contender for the mayor's chair could be former Ottawa mayor Bob Chiarelli. Although he lost the last election to O'Brien, Chiarelli says he's seriously considering putting his name on the ballot.

"I think people want stability. They want somebody they can count on. They want somebody who puts getting the job done before the politics of the job; and for those reasons I'm very seriously considering a comeback," said Chiarelli.

As for Ottawa MPP Jim Watson, there is still no word whether he will join the mayor's race.

Watson, who is also the provincial municipal affairs minister, served as Ottawa mayor from 1997-2000. He also sat on city council from 1991-1997.

Ottawa city councillors Peter Hume and Diane Deans are also considered possible candidates for mayor.

Positions up for grabs

Monday is the first day for residents to submit their nominations for mayor, city council and school board trustee. The nomination period runs from Jan. 4 to Sept. 10, with papers available online, at all city client service centres and at the elections office.

Offices available for nomination are:

  • Mayor (one elected)
  • City councillor (23 elected, one per ward)
  • School board trustee (one elected per zone, with the number established this spring)

With a report from CTV Ottawa's Norman Fetterley