From a $35-million arena project on the table, creating controversy not only in the neighbourhoods of lower Westmount but also in the ranks of city council itself, to a former mayor poised for a possible political comeback, there is plenty of fodder for the die-hard council watchers to munch on.

The ball was set rolling early this year, with Metcalfe Avenue resident Gerald Glass announcing in a letter to the Examiner that we should not expect a grassroots mayoral campaign from him this time around. This was followed a few weeks later by Mayor Karin Marks announcing that she would not be running either, and then Peter Trent making it known that he would be up for at least one more term at city hall — provided he finds the right people to run with him.

As it stands this week, the mayor's seat is open, incumbent councillors John de Castell, Kathleen Duncan, Nicole Forbes, Cynthia Lulham and Patrick Martin have all declared that they will run, while George Bowser has said he will not. Guy Charette says he will announce his decision soon (but he is not expected to run again) and Tom Thomson will hopefully toss in his hat next week.

As in all previous elections in recent memory, Westmounters will be given an opportunity to meet and put questions to their prospective councillors. The Examiner will once again be teaming up with the Westmount Municipal Association to produce a Meet the Candidates evening. The initial groundwork for this event has already been laid by Stanley Baker, and the main ballroom of Victoria Hall has been booked for Monday, Oct. 19 at 7 p.m.

The timing for this event is especially convenient, for it falls more than two weeks after the nomination deadline on Oct. 2 and less than a week before the Oct. 25 advance poll.

More details on this meeting will be announced as they become available.