Clutha's deputy mayor Hamish Anderson has thrown his hat into the ring and will challenge the incumbent, Bryan Cadogan.
In a statement issued yesterday, Cr Anderson said that after ''long and careful deliberation'' his decision to stand was cemented by several considerations.
''I want to use my considerable council and other governance experiences to lead the council and the Clutha district forward in a positive direction so that our district is a desirable place to live, work, and raise a family.
"A place that people would be proud to call home, and that attracts people to live and visit, and a place where rates expenditure is well scrutinised so people receive maximum value for their investment.''
Cr Anderson contested the mayoralty in 2010.
Cr Anderson said he had been approached by ''the majority of current councillors and actively encouraged'' to stand for the mayoralty.
Mr Cadogan was surprised by Cr Anderson's comments, but welcomed his decision to stand, saying it was great for the district and democracy to have an election.
''We have an efficient, cohesive, and friendly council.''
Mr Cadogan said he would keep working towards the positive outcomes for the district that he was passionate about.
''I look forward to the next three years and ensuring our economic resilience, maximising potential for our young, promoting the district, and positively ensuring that the projected rates reduction carries through.''
Clutha electoral officer Alan Dickson said yesterday only three nominations had been received - Mr Cadogan for the office of mayor, Grant Driver for Balclutha ward councillor, and Julie Diane Gardner for the Clutha Licensing Trust.
Nominations for the local body elections close on August 16.
