Naheed Nenshi is facing criticism from candidates challenging incumbents after a decision to endorse every current council member seeking re-election.

Nenshi says he would like to see all 12 of the current aldermen seeking re-election keep their jobs because city council has been working well together for the past three years.

Nenshi said he does not mind if any of the incumbents want to use his picture or quote him in their campaigns.

But some candidates say the mayor should be focusing on his own campaign for re-election instead of trying to influence voters in other wards.

"Do you ever recall Dave Bronconnier helping the incumbents out or the mayors before him?" asked Kevin Taylor, who is trying to unseat Druh Farrell in Ward 7.

"I don't think he should be involved in that."

Even some candidates who aren't facing incumbents in the election weighed in.

"Leave it to the council races and the constituents to decide who best reflects their vision for where Calgary should go," said Chris Harper, a Ward 1 candidate running to replace Dale Hodges after he retires from 30 years on council.