2 of Durham's largest municipalities will have new mayors. So far, few are running for the job | CBC News

Oshawa and Ajax have open mayoral positions, but the pool of candidates remains largely unclear. Municipal elections are scheduled for Oct. 26, with nominations running from May 1 to Aug. 21. Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter confirmed he will not seek a third term. Ajax Mayor Shaun Collier’s office did not confirm intentions, though reporting indicates he will not run again. In Ajax, two candidates have registered. In Oshawa, only long-time councillor Tito-Dante Marimpietri has registered. Marimpietri said he is aiming to grow Oshawa’s post-secondary and technology industries and to position the city as a leader in Canada’s expanding defence sector, citing benefits from defence, technology, and advanced manufacturing.

"The stage is set for a critical leadership change in Oshawa and Ajax, two of Durham region's largest municipalities, but who actually wants to lead them is still largely unknown. While the municipal election won't happen until the fall, the two municipalities with open mayoral positions seemingly have few candidates vying for the jobs since nominations opened May 1. Nominations will close on Aug. 21 and muncipal elections take place on Oct. 26."

"Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter's office confirmed that he would not be seeking a third term as mayor in an email to CBC News. Ajax Mayor Shaun Collier's office did not respond to CBC's request about whether he was seeking re-election, but it has been heavily reported that he won't be. In Ajax, two candidates have so far registered for the election. In Oshawa, the list has only one name: long-time city councillor Tito-Dante Marimpietri."

"“We've got every element in the world that's necessary to be able to succeed,” Marimpietri told CBC News. Marimpietri welcomed whatever might come his way through the election, whether that be a large field of candidates or none at all. He was first elected in 2003 at 23 years old and with the exception of one term, has represented Ward 2 ever since."

"Marimpietri said he's aiming to grow Oshawa's post-secondary and technology industries, as well as its efforts to become a leader in Canada's expanding defence sector. “There's so many things that come out of defence and of technology and of advanced manufacturing that we see and feel and benefit from each and every single day,” he said."

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