MISSISSAUGA

For the first time in decades, a battle is heating up for the mayor’s job in Mississauga.

Former Liberal cabinet minister Steve Mahoney and Councillor Bonnie Crombie told the Toronto Sun they’re seriously considering running to replace retiring Mayor Hazel McCallion in October’s municipal election.

While neither has registered, both say they will make a final decision by the spring.

“I’m very seriously considering it,” Mahoney said. “I think the rumour is out there that I am (running). ... If I do go for it, I won’t be registering yet.”

Mahoney, who served as a federal Liberal cabinet minister, an MPP, chair of the WSIB and on Mississauga council, says experience will be key in any battle to fill 92-year-old McCallion’s shoes.

No matter who takes over, the infrastructure needs and shifting tax base of Canada’s sixth-largest city will be difficult to manage.

“It’s going to be a real challenge,” he said. “The most important thing someone can bring to the job is experience. I’ve had over 30 years in public service.”

Mahoney said he has gathered a team of supporters to investigate a mayoral bid and “chances are pretty good” he’ll declare in late March or early April.

“I know that Bonnie Crombie is privately saying she’s running but publicly not declared yet.”

When contacted by the Sun, Crombie confirmed, too, she is eyeing a run, but has yet to register.

“Right now all I’ll commit to is that I’m seriously considering it,” she said. “I know that the press would love a race and they’d love to get started. But it’s a very big decision. Hazel leaves a huge legacy and really big shoes to fill.”

Crombie, who currently represents Ward 5 on Mississauga city council, is a former federal Liberal MP. If she runs, her pitch to voters will be based on building on McCallion’s legacy with a bit of change added in, she said.

“I’d like to think if I put my name forward I’d represent continuity of that legacy but also generational change,” she said.

Crombie said her record of public service, private sector experience and advocacy work will put her in a good position if she runs.

McCallion, who has been mayor for 35 years, announced shortly after winning the 2010 election that this would be her last term. She took more than 80% of the vote during that race.