folks, my 2 cents:
Larry O'Brian was not qualified to be a mayer 4 yrs ago as he didn't have the minimum, basic managerial skills to chair the council (exercise influence in order to achieve his political goals). Now 4 yrs after, he is actually a much better candidate in terms of managerial skills thanks to his 4 yrs experience in the office. Unfortunately, among the declared candidates, there is one who is much better qualified in this reagard, this time. In terms of character, O'Brian is also a questional candidate based on the fact that he had done some thing not really honorable in last election. However, to my knowledge Jim Watson has never done any thing close that. You don't elect your best friend to be the mayer, but the best candidate.