MISSISSAUGA — So, how much does it cost to run for mayor of Mississauga?

And, the real question on many people’s minds is how much does it cost to run and win?

Those looking for an answer to that question will have to wait, however, until later this year as Mayor Bonnie Crombie has applied for, and was granted, an extension on filing her election expenses until May 15. In her letter to the court dated March 25, Crombie states that she “only recently received a draft of my filing from the auditor” and it raised a number of “unanticipated concerns” including missing addresses for donors and corporate contributors who might be, but aren’t necessarily, related.

“By my count, there (are) over 400 pieces of missing information,” reads the letter. “As such, I believe more time is required to ensure that all information filed is accurate. I understand the importance of transparency and the need to be as accurate in the filing of election expenses as possible. It is for this reason that (I) request a short extension in order to ensure my filing is done to the best of my ability.”

Crombie’s main competitor in the race, Steve Mahoney, has filed his expense statement and it shows he spent nearly to the $384,775 limit and came in at $371,214 in total expenses for the election. His total amount of contributions was $227,243.

Mahoney has reported a deficit of $143,971.

Mahoney finished second in the race, capturing about 29 per cent of the vote compared to Crombie’s 63 per cent.

Dil Muhammad, who finished third with 1.51 per cent of the vote, spent $152,309. He has reported a deficit from the campaign of $144,809.

However, not all the mayoral candidates spent hundreds of thousands of dollars in their bid.

Stephen King, who finished in fourth after capturing 1.16 per cent of the vote, spent a paltry $3,183. Masood Khan, who finished fifth and captured 0.78 per cent of the vote, spent $2,058.