With the upcoming federal election looming, Cecil Clarke didn't take what is quite likely his last chance to make the jump to the federal government. Perhaps his goals have changed, or he just couldn't sacrifice his values to support Andrew Scheer like his friends Eddie Orrell and Alfie MacLeod could. For now, it seems evident that his most hopeful political sanctuary is trying to hold onto his mayoral role in the CBRM.

The container port now seems like more of a fantasy than ever. He's had major slip-ups like declaring the library project "dead". It wasn't good news when having tourism branding/downtown development expert Roger Brooks returned 6-years after his first visit. He had to repeat himself as he delivered a scolding report card. The safety of the mayor's seat can be considered no better than hopeful, but possibly out of his power to keep.

Since the beginning of the mayoral ranking, there are reasons for shifts in position. With people revealing changes in their political outlook, whether MPs call it quits, or councillors aiming for the big show, political aspirations and the need for new roles will have an impact on who may pursue the mayor's chair.

Some candidates ebb and flow like the tides, showing their constituents their lacklustre moments only later to show some signs that our confidence should be restored. Some, like Clarke, Mombourquette, or MacLellan, hope that big projects can stop the bleeding long enough to secure another four years.

And some still raise the lingering question: Are they only in a political role for their need to "be liked", content to float through, never taking a strong position on anything? They seem to be content as long as they accumulate enough selfies for their Facebook page... demonstrating they must really be "good people."

The race for the Liberal nomination in Cape Breton Canso has produced two candidates who'd like to (and will) secure the nomination without taking a position on Equalization. As one of our key issues, if they can't talk about it now, are they actually the most politically qualified to send to Ottawa to deal with such vital matters? To avoid confusion as a partisan-influenced poke-in-ribs, the Conservative nominees are no better, just as weak-kneed and - now on the downslope of their careers - probably have much less potential than the up and coming Liberals IF they ever gained the courage to tell everyone how they really feel.

It's a good time to continue probing and discussing the idea of who may be our next mayor. A great mayor could wield more power and influence over our future than any other bureaucratic or elected role at any other level of government.

This is the fifth installment of my subjective ranking. Here are the links to Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 and Part 4.

P.S. You may see a few familiar faces in the feature photo. This is the time for Game of Thrones uber-fans to point out why the candidates I've assigned to the characters just isn't the right fit.

If we are to get a good, preferably great new mayor, we have to spend some time thinking about what kind of person it would have to be.

Inclusion on the list does not represent an endorsement nor enthusiasm from me - in my role as an active CBRM political blogger - unless otherwise indicated.

If you think I've omitted someone who could be a great mayor, please comment. That's a key objective in this exercise. If we're dissatisfied with how we are performing as a municipality, or with our current leadership, then we need to proactively think about what comes next for us.

Some change notes for prior candidates in highlight.

The CBRM Mayoral Candidate Ranking - July 2019

• #56 Esmond "Blue" Marshall - Contributes to CBRM council session debate too infrequently.
• #55 George MacDonald ---
• #54 Vince Hall - A controversial former councillor who has contemplated the role. He's gone quiet recently.
• #53 Ivan Doncaster - A well-respected, wonderful community man. However, nearing the end of his Council career, lobbying for the Deputy Mayor role was a selfish act that deprived younger councillors of an opportunity to gain experience for the long careers ahead of them.
• #52 Clarence Prince ---
• #51 Jim MacLeod - MacLeod is gruff but passionate. Beating up on small businesses using cheap, but ugly advertising scores him a nudge upward in the rankings, if only for actually doing something (regardless of the merit or the lack thereof).
• #50 Manning MacDonald ---
• #49 Steve Gillespie --- Gillespie leaves many longing for the guy who campaigned for a council position. He was never heard from again after the election.
• #48 Paul Carrigan --- 
• #47 Madonna Doucette - Although she has an opportunity to beat MLA Derek Mombourquette, her inactive voice in public matters reduces her profile. She has the ability to be a voice for those who struggle in the CBRM, but is flying under the radar.
• #46 Neeta Kumar - A strong personality with political connections, and proactive advocacy for the new CBRM library project.
• #45 Eileen Lannon Olford - With the abolishment of Business Cape Breton, she's available as an established local executive, with political connections, who could seek other opportunities via her strong network.
• #44 David Delaney - One of the CBRM's fiercest critics, his critiques are frequent on the pages of the Cape Breton Post. You can never count out anyone who shows a high level of interest in the issues, and a persistent desire to weigh in. Frustration sometimes puts names on the ballot. NEW
• #43 Cyril MacDonald - MacDonald doesn't keep a high profile, but he's unique among all other candidates on the ranking list. His amazing work with Special Olympics, his healthy lifestyle, and pleasant demeanour would provide us with an opportunity to have a mayor it would be difficult to dislike. Although a former council candidate, he's a wildcard on what his policy direction and platform might be.
• #42 Eldon MacDonald ---
• #41 Michelle Wilson --- NEW
• #40 Josephine Kennedy - As a Liberal MLA candidate, she jumped ship, but has remained vocal and active in community and CBRM issues.
• #39 Marlene Usher --- 
• #38 Ray Paruch - The CBRM's finest devil's advocate. Without Paruch, many issues of concern would never capture the attention of the media or the general public. He appears to not be "kind enough" to overlook things that others would turn a blind eye to.
• #37 Owen Fitzgerald - A former mayoral candidate who dropped out and endorsed Clarke. His thoughts about the role may stir again.
• #36 Mary Tulle - She's moving on from her role as Destination Cape Breton CEO, but suggested it does not represent a retirement. With her network, she could build support for her candidacy.
• #35 Darren Bruckschwaiger - A very popular councillor in his district, and probably not recognized as much as he should be for his intelligence. He must control his propensity to be too reactive to criticism, but is otherwise very in tune with how to communicate with regular, everyday people.
• #34 Nigel Kearns - Possibly one of the CBRM's top creative thinkers with an unrivalled passion for doing things better for the community, in more innovative ways. An expert in creating, managing, and understanding experiences. If elected, this candidate is the one that would make the CBRM a profoundly more interesting place to live, though he'd have to break through the bureaucracy to do so, which may have a level of difficulty similar to colonizing Mars. Although under the radar outside of his sizeable personal network, he's the intuitive Roger Brooks of the CBRM... if Roger Brooks was more creative. Give him a budget and the CBRM instantly becomes a better experience and interesting place to live.
• #33 Rick McCready - One of the CBRM's top planners. It would be difficult to match his knowledge of the CBRM's interworkings. It would be interesting to see what a planner could achieve if they could direct council, instead of just (very patiently) putting up with their questions as head of Q&A.
• #32 Mike Johnson - An influencer and political thinker who wants a better future for the CBRM and is playing an active part in helping to form the foundations for doing so while primarily operating under the radar.
• #31 Parker Rudderham - One of the CBRM's most successful businessmen, he could have a campaign team established in 1 to 2 weeks and hit the ground running. His move as Chairman of Business Cape Breton to shut it down was a bold move and is a clear indication that he would rethink the approach to economic development.
• #30 Russ Green - One of the NSEF's best speakers who takes an increasingly active role in their lobbying efforts. NEW
• #29 Dan Christmas - The Senator won't offer, but he would be viable if he did. It's hard to forget his speech and the public reaction when he declared "Cape Breton is dying". People felt like they were being heard by someone with the credentials/authority/power to make an impact.
• #28 Kendra Coombes - One of the three new councillors who've risen to prominence by exerting influence from a minority position on Council. A certain political career is in her future.
• #27 Marie Walsh - She runs the CBRM. She's probably been one of the key influences in its operation for a very long time.
• #26 Eddie Orrell - If Orrell loses as MP, he's without a political home. He loses in most mayoral matchups and wouldn't be bold enough to challenge Cecil. But he'd have a large enough base of support to convince himself that he had a shot. He may be a likeable MP who cares about people, but it would be difficult to articulate any advantages he'd offer as mayor. NEW
• #25 Cecil Clarke - Though declining in popularity, his loss in the PC leadership race made his mayoral role more attractive to him. He'll always be kept afloat by a base of long-time PC supporters. Because of how voters react to any sign of development, construction of the second berth will help people forget about other issues with his time as mayor up until that point. But his support is weakened and many others can beat him at this stage in his career.
• #24 Mary Campbell - It's hard to tear a journalist away from their passion, but wouldn't the CBRM's most hawkeyed political observer be a grand experiment? The CBRM would improve its strength in negotiations overnight, and there would probably be a new policy that councillors must read the agreements before approving them.
• #23 Geoff MacLellan - Rumours circulated that the current Liberal MLA was interested in the mayoral role. He would have a lot of backing from loyal Liberal supporters.
• #22 Alfie MacLeod - Alfie's key ability is to speak with a style that makes people believe he's representing us in Halifax. And, indeed, his speeches resonate with people. His popularity could put him in the mayor's chair, especially with an outgoing Cecil Clarke throwing his support. His level of popularity makes him viable, even if it's unclear in what way he would be able to improve the CBRM. Failing as an MP gives him a reason to run for mayor.
• #21 Dr. Maroun - A soft-spoken, but persistent advocate for Equalization Fairness. Dr. Maroun and his NSEF group are able to gain the support of thousands with their demands for more funding for the CBRM and other Nova Scotia municipalities underfunded despite the Federal Equalization windfall delivered to the province each year.
• #20 Rob Calabrese - One of the CBRM's best personalities (on radio and off), he would likely be the first one to tell you that he would never run for mayor (and likely will tell you if you mention you saw his name on this list). However, he's a part of a power couple in the CBRM with his wife Erika Shea. Don't let his joking manner and charisma fool you. He's very smart, perhaps so smart he knows never to be political. As a mayoral figure, he would be one of the few people that might be able to eradicate the uncomfortable tension that pervades the CBRM Council. Much to the chagrin of serious political types, big personalities that keep everyone at ease can win
• #19 Mark Inglis - One of the fastest rising young professionals in the CBRM. His role in communications with the Cape Breton Hospital Foundation means he is a key person in one of the organizations closest to the heart of all Cape Bretoners. He does a great job, comes from a business-oriented family, and has an image that is a great fit with a mayoral role.
• #18 John Whalley - The Whalley versus CBRM lawsuit and the outstanding Cape Breton Spectator coverage pulled John Whalley back into the public eye. Formerly a key figure in our plans for economic development, he was ousted. As an advocate for increased Equalization, this could help him gain further support in our current political environment. He should have run as an MP candidate.
• #17 Ian McNeil - A contributor to the Rankin MacSween campaign, as a journalist he knows the CBRM and its challenges. However, his eloquent speaking ability and statesmanly image make him appear to be the type of mayor people envision. Looking like a mayor or leadership figure is helpful. It benefitted Cecil Clarke. McNeil looks more like a leader, is more intelligent, and is an expert communicator. As Tim Houston demonstrated, Clarke will easily fall to a much better communicator. He's back in Cape Breton now.
• #16 Mike Kelloway - Now in the running for the nomination as Liberal MP candidate, Kelloway joins other new political hopefuls that (upon losing) may consider the weakened mayoral incumbent as a soft spot. Kelloway works at community involvement and has a strong network, but may be reluctant to take a position on anything as his desire to have people like him may compromise his ability to be effective in a political role where sometimes involves taking a position where there isn't universal agreement. I don't think you'd ever see him pull a Cuzner, i.e. after the plug is pulled on the Inverness airport (for now), Cuzner still pledges his support for it. NEW
• #15 Derek Mombourquette - This MLA had a scare in the last election and could be at risk. As a former CBRM councillor, the thought of mayor as a role would likely be an option, though when to make the transition would be a difficult decision. Mombourquette has been distributing provincial dollars throughout the community and building and/or solidifying his support, though the funds amount to less than what we would receive with the Tim Houston pledge of $15 Million more per year in the provincial Equalization transfer. He has been rapidly growing in confidence in his role as MLA and would be viable. He likes selfies too but takes fewer of them than fellow Liberal Kelloway, and intense opposition/criticism has forced him to get comfortable with the idea of taking a position on something.
• #14 Jay McNeil - An entrepreneur and a community advocate, McNeil's key strength is that there may not be anyone else in the CBRM who can communicate as expressively as he does. He's friendly, and confident, and open. His topics in social media are some of the most engaging discussions I've observed. He offers true positivity without the phoniness. Despite the majority of his discussions being about overcoming things and moving forward with success, he's also not afraid of calling out things that are just plain wrong. People gravitate to him, and he's one of the only candidates who could rival or exceed the other expert communicators on this list with his distinct manner of expression.
• #13 Nicole LaFosse - A young corporate lawyer, and one of the engineers of Tim Houston's successful PC leadership bid. She has the image of a young mayor and commands authority. She would have a great deal of support in her network and would have no problem coordinating a campaign. As mayor, it would be interesting to see the collaboration between her and Houston, should he become Premier. One of his campaign pledges was giving the CBRM an additional $15 Million a year in increased Equalization transfer. While party insiders come with caveats, in the near term that move would be the most significant transition for the CBRM in a very long time. Our challenges are greatly exacerbated by insufficient resources and a tax base that is being bled dry.
• #12 Wayne Miller - As the founder of Downtown Nutrition, Miller recently caused a stir when posting about his positive outlook for the CBRM, endorsing some of the current projects, and expanding upon them (including converting Centre 200 into a convention centre). The post immediately provoked comments from his network suggesting that he would make a great candidate for mayor. As a successful business owner who is expanding his brand here in the CBRM, people will gravitate to those who figure out how to be successful in an adverse economic environment. He's one to watch.
• #11 Caleb Gibbons - Another Liberal MP candidate hopeful who was defeated by the Jaime Battiste campaign. With a family name that goes all the way to our political formations (self-governance and fighting to be allowed to do so), Gibbons has political aspirations. What's interesting is that despite growing up on a family farm operation, he went on to be a senior executive in International Finance. He may be the only one that understands our financial challenges on a macro level, and he was one of the only candidates of any party that was offering thoughtful, and progressive ideas. Unfortunately, the party nomination process is so disconnected from the general community, the rest of us don't get to really know the candidates in that format. What his next steps are, beyond his interests in developing an export business, are yet to be determined. NEW
• #10 Erika Shea - MacSween's protege is brilliant. If she could be torn away from the work she's doing at New Dawn, she would be viable. Her profile to the general public is lesser known than others. So a campaign would require initiating early and having the full support and campaign help from MacSween and her CBVoices colleagues.
• #9 Mark Eyking - Eyking isn't a strong MP, but he's spent years delivering cheques to the region and has a likeable personality that keeps him on people's minds as an endearing local leader. He would be a terrible choice as a mayoral candidate, but we've made terrible choices before, repeatedly. Politicians that have been on the political stage for as long as he has a large base that always keeps them in the running, not to mention access to funding to run the campaign. These days, they seem to be spending around $200,000. NEW
• #8 Earlene MacMullin - The voice of the people, she conveys sincerity whether we agree with her or not on any particular matter. She communicates the image of a regular person who wanted to make a difference, stepped up to the plate, won an election, and isn't going to let slick politicians walk over her. On the rise.
• #7 Rankin MacSween - Against a declining Clarke, the third match-up would likely result in a win for MacSween. The positive impact he has on the CBRM is underappreciated. He has the potential to win as an independent federal MP candidate if the will was there.
• #6 Annette Verschuren - It will always be difficult to convince someone who has long since established their success and legacy at the highest levels of society to take on another challenge. A similar example is David Dingwall taking on his role of President at CBU. Rumblings had suggested years ago that he might also be a mayoral candidate for the CBRM. Verschuren is an elite candidate with greater success and prestige in the business world. While she is a present contributor behind the scenes, her business expertise may be unrivalled here in the CBRM. The thought of someone with her level of success taking over economic development policy creation would be exciting. If she ever endeavoured to run, you could "bet on her" to become mayor.
• #5 Wendy Bergfeldt - Bergfeldt is, hands down, one of the most important assets Cape Breton is fortunate to have living and working here. To imagine her departing from the CBC is a bit of a thought experiment leap. However, there are very few people that possess her knowledge of everything that ticks in the CBRM, as well as her ability to dissect and understand complex matters in just seconds. There are also few on this list that can rival her in intelligence or class.
• #4 Rodger Cuzner - Cuzner is the sharper of the two outgoing Liberal MPs. Whether he gives a satisfactory take on any particular issue or not, he's able to articulate his thoughts better (and braver) when put on the spot. His charisma is a huge asset. And while he would be a vastly superior mayor compared with the outgoing Cecil Clarke, it's always dangerous to support someone easing into the retirement with enough personal wealth to rob them of the kind of passion and drive needed to fight for a better future for the CBRM. But make no mistake, he's a viable candidate should he choose to pursue the role. His annual poem was a bit hit for its artistry and wit, but a big miss on the utilization of parliamentary time, and it's regretful that it's one of the first things we associate with the MP when his name comes up. NEW
• #3 Chief Terry Paul - The growth of Membertou speaks volumes. As the people of the CBRM watch Membertou constantly progress while the rest of the municipality struggles, they wonder what it is that Chief Paul does differently. Capital plays a big part, but people yearn for the kind of growth throughout the CBRM like that observed in Membertou. For that reason, despite the near implausibility of Chief Paul ever pursuing the mayoral role, he would be a strong candidate. People like winners. They want to share in their success.
• #2 Adrian White - The former CEO of the Sydney & Area Chamber of Commerce, White has moved on but is actively writing Letters to the Editor in the Cape Breton Post. He's very smart and has a deep network. Should he decide to pursue a mayoral role, he would have a lot of backing and has the ability to build a solid campaign. On the rise. He's giving other would-be political figures a master class on how to take a position on something. You don't need to agree with him. That's not the point of taking a position.
• #1 (TIE) John Morgan - Morgan was a popular mayor, and we're currently in a climate of increased public attention on Equalization fairness. While it remains to be seen what is left of Morgan's network, he only needs to put on a suit with a nicely pressed shirt and he's a front-runner on Day 1. The problem is that Morgan is no longer in the public eye, doesn't weigh in on political topics out in the open, and could return 6+ years later as a very different man. His support would not be as high as before since there are now some calls for something new. There are also some that believe that when he hit a wall with the fight for Equalization, it was all over. Rumours persist, however, that Morgan is interested in running again. Rumours of Morgan making a federal bid as either an independent or (gasp) a Liberal were quickly quelled. Until he steps forward nobody can determine if he has an actual political desire and can still pull support from his base. Insiders say YES to both.
• #1 (TIE) Amanda McDougall - A constant name mentioned for inspiring young leaders who could take on the mayoral role. She, along with Coombes and MacMullin, have proven that they can withstand the adverse environment within an ole boy council. However, entering their third year, it's time for them to start demonstrating leadership by pushing the agenda. Coombes showed early promise with Equalization, and they need to do more here. McDougall continues to grow in recognition and network. When she's on her game, she can inspire a sense of hopefulness. A big part of her brand is her ability to make people see that she cares. She could fulfill the leadership role, but she'll have to sharpen her chisel on policymaking. But she already has enough political leverage to beat Mayor Clarke in a head-to-head. Expect a repeat of the overconfidence of Councillor Saccary if that match up materializes.

NOTE: The views expressed above are my own and do not represent lokol (goCapeBreton.com). Read more