Former MP Steve Mahoney enters Mississauga mayoral race

Another candidate has entered the race to replace Hazel McCallion as mayor of Mississauga.

Former Liberal MP Steve Mahoney officially filed his nomination papers on Monday, saying he felt the city needed experienced leadership.

“We’re going to be facing some new fiscal realities and some changes that will need to take place, and I believe that experience in the leadership that I bring is really important both for today and for tomorrow,” said Mahoney.

McCallion, 93, who held the post as mayor of Mississauga since 1978, won’t be seeking re-election in October.

“I frankly believe we’re heading into some uncharted waters with Hazel McCallion not seeking reelection,” Mahoney said. “I think what Hazel has done for this city is, frankly, second to none, and I think that to have the experienced leadership to take over from her is going to be critically important as we go forward.”

Mahoney moved to Mississauga with his wife Katie in 1969 and began his political career as Mississauga Ward 8 councillor in 1978. He was also a Liberal MPP from 1987 to 1995.

Click here to read his political timeline.

Mahoney commended McCallion on the work she has done over the last three decades developing the city.

“I think mayor McCallion has, for the last 36 years, lead this city to the point where we have really seen a fantastic community be developed, where families can live, work and play right here at home,” he explained.

However, Mahoney said the city needs improved public transit, including pushing forward with the Hurontario-Main LRT.

“Some of the things we need to work on are our public transit so that people can get where they need to go in a reasonable length of time, so that employers can hire people that are not stuck in gridlock all day,” he explained. “The LRT up Huronatio is very important to me and to the city.”

Mahoney will officially launch his campaign in April.

The two other candidates in the running are Riazuddin Choudhry and 24-year-old Scott E.W Chapman.

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