It was hardly a secret, but Mississauga councillor Bonnie Crombie made it official Tuesday morning: She will try to fill the sizeable void being left by legendary Mayor Hazel McCallion.

Crombie registered for the mayoral race at Mississauga City Hall, promising three key things. “My platform is: how we move; grow responsibly; and how we thrive.”

Crombie, a former one term MP for Mississauga, joined council in 2011 after winning a by-election following her defeat in the federal election.

Her main challenger in the race is former city councillor, MPP and MP Steve Mahoney.

After Mahoney registered last week, Crombie, long rumoured to covet the mayor's seat, said he did not represent the “Mississauga of today.”

Mahoney countered with his own shot, suggesting Crombie spends all her time promoting herself instead of formulating a true vision for Mississauga.

Crombie said a full platform is being developed and will be rolled out in coming weeks.

Meanwhile, Mississauga voters now have two established candidates faced with a significant task.

Part of McCallion’s legacy is a $1.5 billion infrastructuredeficit, after more than a decade of near-zero per cent tax increases prior to the current term. Chipping away at that deficit in recent years has meant average increases of more than 5 per cent on the Mississauga portion of the property bill. Meanwhile, dozens of projects in the once-flush city have gone unfunded because slowing growth has reduced revenues.

Crombie said she’s the right person to turn things around.

“Economic development will be a focus. It’s all about the innovation and knowledge economy, and harnessing the diverse skills of our residents.”

Crombie said she will focus on how to bring revenues into the city by growing the economy.

As for keeping Mississauga at the table with business leaders, the province and Ottawa, Crombie said she will use what she’s learned from McCallion.

“I’'ve been privileged to work with her. But this is a new time for Mississauga. I have the experience. I’m vibrant.”

Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading...

Both Crombie and Mahoney have said McCallion has pledged to remain neutral throughout the campaign.

After 36 years on the job, the 93-year-old McCallion has said this will be her last term.

Read more about: