At least two wards could end up going to a new generation of candidates in the coming municipal election, says a policy professor at Mount Royal University.

Zak Pashak is giving incumbent Ald. John Mar a run for his money in Ward 8, said Lori Williams, and Mike Pal and Jeremy Nixon — both of whom are under 30 — are two candidates in Ward 9 that have good chances for success.

There are at least eight candidates in their 20s running for alderman in the Oct. 18 election.

But while some equate youth with inexperience, Ward 9 hopeful Pal says that's not what he's hearing.

Pal, 27, said the people he's talked to think his experience working in the aldermanic office and fighting with the Canadian Forces in Afghanistan is more important than his age.

"A lot of people ask me how old I am. But I think a lot of people are ready for a change," said Pal. "They might not specifically be looking for a young guy, but they are looking for a guy with the right type of experience. And I think I have that."

Another candidate whose age hasn't gone unnoticed is 21-year-old Andrew Rodych, the youngest candidates in the election. He believes he brings a fresh perspective.

Rodych, who runs his own tutoring business, has been campaigning in Ward 13, trying to introduce himself to the community.

"When you go door-knocking, for example, you'll chat with someone and they'll say, 'I don't know, I think you're a little bit too young, I think you need more experience.'"

Williams said it's a concern many young candidates face.

But she said many voters — especially those in the same age bracket — might opt for the younger candidates if they feel disgruntled with the current system.

"If there are things about [the current system] that you associate with people that are seasoned and perhaps jaded, and you see somebody who looks like they are bringing … a new way of doing things and enthusiasm into City Hall, then of course that sort of person is going to be much more appealing to a young person," said Williams.