No Republicans have announced their candidacy as of yet. Michael's Bistro's owner J Michael Crafaik was the sole GOP contender in the 1996 City Council race, in which he lost to Democratic candidates Virginia Daugherty, Asst. Architecture Prof. Maurice Cox and Meredith Richards. Local Democrats have dominated Council seats since 1980, Vandever said. Toscano has served on City Council since 1990, serving as mayor between 1994 and 1996.
Council members select a new mayor every two years.
While Vandever said Toscano represents Democratic ideals for the city, he said other Democrats are equally qualified. Gropen said he also thinks the city's transportation and economic development will be main issues in the campaign. He also cited improving education as a central theme of the election. Gropen agreed that the city should reach out to its student population. Toscano also recognized the importance of student residents.