Last week, Lansdowne Avenue resident Georges Hébert said he planned to run against Gary Ikeman in the district, and this week two more hopefuls have come forward. Investment advisor René Pelletier, who lives across the street from Hébert, and Burton Avenue resident Nicholas Smith, have both thrown their hats into the same ring.

Pelletier is well known in political and financial circles, having served as the associate chief of staff in the National Defense and Supply and Services ministries under Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, and lately as investment advisor with CIBC Wood Gundy.

"This community has been good to me," says Pelletier, who was educated at the universities of Denver and Arizona. "I've lived in Westmount for 21 years. It's a very good place to live. My experience could be very helpful to the city."

Pelletier, a professional tennis player in his youth, decided to run after being approached by friend and frequent tennis partner Victor Drury, who will be running in either District 3 or 6. "He told me George Bowser was leaving, and that I should consider running," Pelletier said.

While Pelletier's years of experience in public service are a major selling point behind his campaign, 23-year-old Nicholas Smith is coming from the opposite direction, taking his first stab at politics. The lifelong Burton Avenue resident is familiar to anyone who has participated in the City's minor soccer program, having worked as a referee on the field since age 14.

The son of noted author Ray Smith, he was educated at Roslyn School, Royal West Academy, Dawson College and McGill University, where he is studying math and computer science.

"I've lived in Ward 5 all my life; I know the people there," said Smith, who is currently building a website for his campaign. "I feel I know that community more than higher up on the hill. It's a small community, but it has its own special little niches."

One of the many ideas Smith is bringing to his campaign is the introduction of online registration for the City's Sports & Recreation programs. "Right now we're seeing hundreds of parents lining up to register their kids for soccer and hockey," he says. "That's two days per year that they waste, standing in line. Westmount does have a good website, and it's user friendly, but there are so many other things that can be done much more quickly and efficiently online."

City council candidates have until Friday, Oct. 2 to officially register to run. Residents will have the opportunity to meet and question all candidates on Monday, Oct. 19, at Victoria Hall, when the Examiner and Westmount Municipal Association hold the traditional Meet the Candidates evening.