Callaghan ‘actively pursuing’ city’s top job

Ward 8 Coun. Ted Callaghan said he is considering running for mayor in the Oct. 25 municipal election, although the papers aren’t filed yet, and the decision isn’t finalized.

“I’m actively pursuing the idea of running for mayor. I’m meeting with people, I’m getting around talking to people and talking to groups I’ve participated in over the last 15 years.”

Callaghan has a long resume when it comes to municipal politics in Greater Sudbury.

“In this community, I’ve been through five elections,” he said.

Having that experience behind him, Callaghan said he knows “there’s plenty of time to make that final decision. So, I’ll be making that decision later on.”

Callaghan was first elected to council in 1994. In 1997, he returned as a councillor by acclamation.

Callaghan was elected again in the 2000, 2003 and 2006 municipal elections.

He has served as deputy mayor twice, and is currently the chair of the finance committee.

The top priorities for Callaghan, in the present, are finishing up the 2010 budget and a couple of projects dealing with seniors, he said.

“I’m very busy with projects related to my position as councillor.”

Greater Sudbury Mayor John Rodriguez, who has also confirmed he will be once again running for the mayor’s seat, said he hopes for a repeat of his 2006 election victory.

In the 2006 election, he toppled former mayor David Courtemanche, 28,419 votes to 16,600, winning more than 50 per cent of the votes.

“I have a very good story to tell for the four years that I’ve been the mayor,” he said. “I have a very complete, exciting, dynamic, action-packed, result-packed four years.

“I’m very confident, not arrogant, that people will see fit to return me for another four years.”

The mayor did not comment directly on a possible race against Callaghan.

He said, “this is a democracy, brother. Anybody who thinks that they have something to offer (can run). Citizens have a right to offer themselves.”

“The people, in the end, will decide.”