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Every municipality should have its own urban legend.
Urban legends are those false, but compelling stories that get told over and over again. They simply aren't true. They sound just close enough to reality to be possible, so it's easy to fall for them.
You've probably heard a few: the baby alligator flushed down the toilet who grows up to live in the sewer; the lost boa constrictor that turns up in your toilet; and, the poodle in the microwave (you don't want to know.)
Well Mississauga has its own version, which surfaces a few months before every municipal election.
It goes like this: Sure Hazel McCallion has registered to run again in the municipal election, but it's just a front.
At the last second before nominations close, her carefully-chosen successor will put his or her name in for the race. Then, in the two-day cooling period that follows, Hazel will withdraw her name and Joe Successor will win in a walk.
For several previous elections, it was Ron Starr who was supposed to waltz into office under this scenario.
This time around, there's a new twist to the proposition. You see, Hazel is being considered as the next Lieutenant-Governor of Ontario by Premier Dalton McGuinty (That's one way to get her out of your hair). She'll step down at the last second because of that offer.
Yes, it does appear that Mayor Medallion is inordinately attached to her chain of office, but do you really think the shinier objects she would wear as Lieutenant-Governor would make her give up the blood sport of politics without a fight?
I don't think so.
By the way, if by any strange chance McCallion does actually replace James Bartleman and become the next vice-regal for Ontario, you read it here first.