Ald. Ric McIver announces his intentions to seek the mayor's job at a fundraiser on Wednesday. (Peter Akman/CBC)

If a packed fundraiser at $150 a plate is any indication, Ald. Ric McIver is the man to beat in Calgary's mayoral election this October.

McIver, who has represented Ward 12 for almost nine years, announced on Wednesday night that he wants the city's top job.

"I propose this vision to you: a flourishing, competitive, entrepreneurial city that welcomes working people, small and big businesses alike while offering an affordable high quality of life for all of its citizens," McIver told the crowd of more than 700 people at the Ramsay Exchange.

Money raised from the event is going to McIver's campaign.

McIver, a fiscal conservative who has butted heads regularly with outgoing Mayor Dave Bronconnier, said he wants to be a leader who rules by consensus.

"Calgarians are ready for somebody to be interested in what they have to say and is going to say and is going to engage them in the process. I also think it's time that all 15 members of council had an opportunity to be engaged in the process," he said.

Push to revamp budget process

In his campaign kickoff speech Wednesday, McIver — who has a business background — underscored the need for financial changes at City Hall.

"We must completely revamp the current budget process to maximize efficiency, using sound economic and accounting principles to better manage the city's finances," he said.

"We need to establish a municipal auditor general independent of city council."

McIver also floated the idea of adopting Hansard, a transcription service used in the House of Commons, for all city council meetings so there is a written record of the discussions.

So far, the race to replace Bronconnier includes Ald. Joe Connelly, former alderman Jon Lord and urban chicken activist Paul Hughes. Businessman Alnoor Kassam, who announced he was in the race in February, said Wednesday he is now reconsidering.

Calgarians go to the polls to elect a new mayor and council on Oct. 18.

With files from Peter Akman