Last time I wrote about the Toronto Mayoralty bi-election there were something like 80 candidates in the race. It finally leveled off at 102, a number which may or may not include a canine candidate. With just over two weeks left before the election, I still haven’t decided who to vote for.

The polls have Olivia Chow leading by a significant margin. She will likely land most of the progressive vote, being long associated with the NDP. She is a popular figure, and she has lots of experience as both a City Councillor and as an MP. She has also run for Mayor in the past. I don’t remember her as a stand-out performer in her previous elected roles but I don’t remember her as being a poor performer either. During her campaign I have heard very few specifics from her, which is worrisome. Former police chief and now candidate for the Mayor’s job Mark Saunders has come out and declared that Olivia Chow must be stopped and he thinks he’s the man to do it. I guess we’ll see some leader-bashing through the remainder of the campaign.

Several candidates have polled in a clump well below Olivia Chow, but in the most recent polls, it seems that Ana Bailão has been creeping ahead of the pack, and though well back, she could have a chance to win the job. I believe she was John Tory’s deputy Mayor for some time.

I watched one of the debates. I thought Mitzie Hunter came off as being knowledgeable and professional and willing to talk specifics. Josh Matlow came up with the idea of the City gifting Ontario Place to the Federal Government for a park, to keep it out of the clutches of the Premier. I don’t think the dog was invited to any of the debates.

I don’t know. I guess there are a handful of candidates who could do an acceptable job as Mayor, but really none of this bunch have really impressed me. I will vote in this election for sure, but so far, I haven’t made up my mind – and we’re running out of time.