Sanderson is one of at least seven names tied to the lucrative position although political insiders have deemed him a long shot.

The best odds are being given to Mississauga Councillor Frank Dale, who is said to have the support of a bloc of peers led by Hazel McCallion’s old nemesis Carolyn Parrish. Dale is also said to have key support in Caledon with Regional Councillor Annette Groves’ name mentioned, bringing his support to at least seven.

Former Mississauga councillor Pat Mullin and Shelley White, United Way of Peel CEO, are said to be the other frontrunners. Richard Paterak, ousted from Caledon council Oct. 27, Regional Councillor Gael Miles and Steve Mahoney, who lost to Bonnie Crombie in the mayor’s contest in Mississauga, are also names being associated with the job.

The inaugural meeting will be held at Mississauga Convention Centre, 75 Derry Rd. W., starting at 6:30 p.m.

The meeting is open to the public.

Soon after Peel councillors are sworn in, the regional clerk will call for motions to appoint a chair.

Each nomination must be in writing, and moved and seconded by a regional councillor present at the meeting.

The vote for regional chair is open (not by secret ballot) with the nominee requiring a majority of votes to win the seat.

The contest could go multiple rounds until one candidate secures the most support.

The contest to become the next chief executive has been mildly controversial with McCallion delivering a warning shot to Dale and Miles last week for their rumoured candidacy. She criticized a potential scenario where a sitting councillor forces a costly byelection in the event they win the job.

But McCallion’s own preferred candidate is also facing some heat.

White, who became an instant frontrunner to replace Kolb after McCallion noted she would do well in the role, has landed in hot water with the United Way for publicly endorsing mayoral candidates in Brampton and Mississauga.

The United Way is supposed to be non-political.

United Way officials are looking into complaints that White broke code of ethics rules for endorsing Jeffrey’s bid for mayor on an election flyer. White is also said to have been an active campaigner for Crombie.

John Russo, United Way of Peel chair, said the organization’s board is currently looking into the matter and that a decision would be rendered soon.

White has met with Moore, and had another meeting scheduled with Brampton Regional Councillor John Sprovieri last week in an effort to lobby support.

In addition to McCallion’s support, which could bring in key votes from Mississauga council, White’s endorsements of Crombie and Jeffrey could be reciprocated this evening.

Jeffrey told The News’ editorial board recently that she wants to see a strong broker at the table to deal with a laundry list of challenges.

For full coverage of the inaugural meeting, visit online at mississauga.com.

Follow Peter Criscione on Twitter @iPolitypus