2014 is a municipal election year in Ontario, which means that voters are due to go to polls later in the fall, deciding whether incumbent mayor Karen Farbridge will retain the keys to the city or whether a changing of the guard will take place at 1 Carden.

The October 27th election currently has 4 candidates declared eligible: Karen Farbridge, Cam Guthrie, John Legere and Nicholas Ross.

Karen Farbridge first served as mayor from 2000-2003, losing the 2003 election to Kate Quarrie by a few thousand votes. She regained the reins in 2006, defeating Quarrie the next time around, and was subsequently re-elected to lead Guelph in back-to-back terms.

Cam Guthrie was the first challenger to submit his paperwork, entering the race on January 2nd. Guthrie, running under the “A Better Guelph” tagline, operates on a platform of lower taxes and job creation. Running after a single term as Ward 4 councillor, Guthrie is considered by most to be Mayor Farbridge’s greatest competition thus far.

There isn’t a lot known about the two other candidates but as we go along further into the campaign we will be sure to update everyone on their running platforms. Neither Legere nor Ross have sat on Guelph City Council before. Potentially that points to an entirely fresh perspective coming to the city.

Election years are always engaging for the residents of a city. It’s a great opportunity for people to revisit their hopes for what their city is and can be, choosing the candidate they feel can best deliver that ideal dream. Looks like Guelph will have some tough decisions to make before this year is through!