Ward to Watch: Ward 6

Even before Terry Cavanagh announced his intention to retire, Ward 6 was shaping up to be 2007's most interesting race. In 2004, Cavanagh had trouble holding on against Chinwe Okelu, who finished fewer than a thousand votes behind him. Okelu is running again, as is 2004 fourth place finisher Amarjeet Sohi, a bus driver, union leader, and activist with Public Interest Alberta.

Based on the 2004 results, Okelu would have to be considered the favourite to replace Cavanagh, but Sohi has increased his profile markedly during the past three years, and is running in a ward that has elected Dave Thiele three times, and Sohi is perceived as occupying a similar spot on the political spectrum as Thiele. If nothing else, either would help city council look a little bit more like the city it runs - currently, all thirteen members are of European descent.

Of course, if Thiele decides not to seek re-election (he hasn't made an announcement yet), both of 2004's runners-up might find themselves on council.