Twelve people want to represent District 5

The Tribune is reporting that there are 12 people who have signed up to be considered for the District 5 position. Here are the candidates:

Phil Austin
Occupation: Lawyer
Years in district: 4
Considering running for a permanent seat? Yes

Terry Benelli
Occupation: Executive director, Neighborhood Economic Development Corporation
Years in district: 21
Considering running for a permanent seat? Yes

Christopher Benjamin
Occupation: Business owner, real estate broker, investor
Years in district: 4-plus
Considering running for a permanent seat? Yes

Charles Brown
Occupation: Real estate property manager
Years in district: 18
Considering running for a permanent seat? Not at this time

Dina Higgins
Occupation: Metal sculptor
Years in district: 14
Considering running for a permanent seat? Yes

Vern Mathern
Occupation: Retired from Boeing
Years in district: 11
Considering running for a permanent seat? No plans

Robert Meko
Occupation: Retired elementary school principal
Years in district: 21
Considering running for a permanent seat? May consider

Gerald Paulus
Occupation: City gas division director
Years in district: 3.5
Considering running for a permanent seat? Undecided

John Perkinson
Occupation: Real estate development, investment
Years in district: 21
Considering running for a permanent seat? No

Buddy Petsch
Occupation: Stockbroker/financial adviser
Years in district: 10
Considering running for a permanent seat? Yes

Darrell Truitt
Occupation: President of Engineers, Planners and Surveyors Group
Years in district: 21
Considering running for a permanent seat? Not probable

Pete Tufts
Occupation: Commercial Realtor
Years in district: 5
Considering running for a permanent seat? Yes

For those counting at home, there are 6 people who are definietly considering a run, 2 undecideds, and 4 who are saying no. However, even some of the nos sound wishy washy. I think it might be best to think about selecting one of the people who says that they won't run. That way someone gets to perform a civic duty, and we get a competitive District 5 race, which will be interesting and fair. I think that Councilman Rawles spoke about kingmaking, and in this wide of a field, I think he may be right.

The real question is: How many of these people will run if they don't get selected to the seat?