It's barely July but we already know three main combatants for the mayor's chair this November and, perhaps more telling, the issue that's likely to be at the heart of this fall's campaign.
Both former five-term councillor Krista Engelland and rookie poll topper Heather King have announced their intention to challenge incumbent Lois Jackson, who was not shy last week in declaring she'll seek a fifth term in Delta's top post.
The fact two high profile candidates have made their intentions public by the beginning of summer suggests this will be as heated a race as any in recent memory. In making their announcements, the pair also carved out how this battle will take shape and the rallying cry -- "Give people a say into the goings on at city hall" -- you'll be sure to hear ad nauseam this fall.
It's been a common refrain in Delta over the years, one Beth Johnson's IDEA party used more than 20 years ago to gain control of civic government and then Jackson employed to take over from IDEA a decade later.
Now her two declared opponents are using it as ammunition against the incumbent, claiming the current administration isn't heeding the wishes of the electorate.
When Engelland announced her candidacy early last month, she said: "I'm running because I firmly believe we need a new direction at city hall. I care deeply about Delta, its people, its history and its land use. As mayor, I intend to ensure Delta residents have a real say in their community."
King followed that up last week by saying: "City hall needs to serve with the highest level of integrity and transparency. As mayor, I will ensure that there will be candid, open debate to arrive at the best decision possible because I believe in good, fair and honourable governance."
I'm sure Jackson bristles at the allegations of a closed shop at municipal hall, but in politics, like many aspects of life, perception becomes reality and there's definitely a view out there that not all voices are being heard.
She's a savvy politician so I'm certain Delta's first-ever female council member will put on her best populist hat to convince voters she's deserving of a fifth term, while her challengers will undoubtedly court voters with the contention the mayor's lost touch with her constituents.
There are still four-and-a-half months to go before we head to the polls, but the announcements over the last few weeks ensure we're in for an eventful November.
