The race for Peel regional chair just got bigger after Bob Delaney, former MPP for Mississauga-Streetsville, registered as a candidate Thursday, July 19.

Delaney is the 10th candidate who has registered to run for the position, as of July 20, which pays $190,846.33, including salary, taxable benefits and expenses (2017).

Delaney said he was approached by a number of people during the election who thought he should run as Peel regional chair. He spoke to his partner Andrea, who thought was a good idea, which surprised Delany a bit.

He also conferred with former Liberal MPP Charles Sousa, coming to an agreement Delaney should run for the position, so they don’t divide the vote.

Delaney joins the race as Peel regional chair with other political notables such as: Patrick Brown, former leader of the provincial PC party; Ron Starr, Mississauga councillor for Ward 6; and, Nando Iannicca, Mississauga councillor for Ward 7.

As the former MPP for Mississauga-Streetsville for the past 15 years, Delaney says he has many of the skills necessary to become regional chair.

“I’m not there to be a super mayor,” Delaney said, or “outshine” the mayors of Mississauga, Brampton and Caledon. He says the position should help enhance the role of the cities.

Peel is a well-functioning level of government, Delaney added, and he sees the role of regional chair as the leader of three mature municipalities, who helps to find common ground in areas of common concern.

Affordable housing and public safety, which includes a cluster of issues, are some of the important issues in Peel, as well as affordable car insurance, according to Delaney.

The municipal election will be held Monday, Oct. 22.