Bratina officially joins race for mayor

Councillor Bob Bratina is quitting his morning CHML radio show and throwing his hat in the mayor's race.

Bratina says he decided to resign from the show rather than take a leave of absence so the public will know he's serious about seeking the city's top political job.

"I really want to be seen as wanting to run for mayor, not just something else coming along that I'll try, " he said in an interview. "I have to take a risk. I've got to go from a comfort place to another place."

Bratina, 66, has been the downtown councillor in Ward 2 since the 2004 byelection to replace Andrea Horwath. He's been a CHML fixture since 1989, including 10 years as its mayor of the morning.

His campaign to become the real mayor of Hamilton is bound to shake up a field crowded with 13 other candidates, including presumed frontrunners Mayor Fred Eisenberger and former mayor Larry Di Ianni. Septuagenarian Ian Deans, the former New Democrat MPP and MP, is also a late entry.

Bratina was to announce his candidacy on-air early this morning.

He intends to carry on broadcasting until Sept. 10, which is the last day for candidate registration.