Want to run for municipal office? Today is your last chance

Today is the last day to apply for one of 24 city council jobs up for grabs in Ottawa. The perks include a salary starting at $103,000, benefits, and VIP access to countless community breakfasts.

It's also the last day candidates canpull out of the upcoming election on Oct. 22.

The nomination period endsat 2 p.m. Friday for people seeking to become mayor, one of thecity's 23 councillors, or one of the city's 37 school board trustees.

So far, roughly 100candidates have registered to become a councillor or the mayor. Those wishingto join the fray this late in the gamewill need to do it in person today at the city's elections office.

Current Mayor Jim Watson was one of the first to register to run for the city's top job. Eight others have joined the list, but the other candidates have a significantly lower profile than Watson.

Former MP Paul Dewar said he briefly considered running before receiving a diagnosis of terminal cancer.

The mayoral candidates, so far, are:

• Watson.
• Bernard Couchman.
• Hamid Alakozai.
• Michael Pastien.
• Moises Schachtler.
• Ryan Lythall.
• Craig MacAulay.
• James T. Sheahan.
• Ahmed Bouragba.

1 councillor unchallenged

Beacon Hill-Cyrville Coun. Tim Tierneyisunopposed so far, and poised to resume his jobunless a new opponententers the field at the eleventhhour.

In 2010 Tierneysaid he was in favour of two-term limits, but changed his mind by2014,when he saidterm limits should be decided by voters.

Local school boards will also acclaim 18 trustees unless new contenders come forward.

Open city council wards, on the other hand, are already flooded with candidates, including 15people hoping to take over for Orlans Coun. Bob Monette, who announced his retirement last month.

Kanata-North Coun. Marianne Wilkinson, InnesCoun. Jody Mitic and BayCoun. Mark Taylor have also resigned their seats this election.

Thecampaign will run until election day.