Latest southern Colorado news, weather and sports from FOX21 News

COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. -- For those thinking election season is finally over, it's actually just beginning.

Now that Issue 300, or the "strong mayor initiative," has passed, voters must decide who they want in the mayor's office.

Currently, there are five candidates in the running, each with varying backgrounds.

"I am the average Joe, the working class citizen," candidate Phil McDonald said. "We are not big rollers my family. We are working folks, and I believe I'm going to bring a lot of honesty, character, morals and enthusiasm to the office."

McDonald is a local small business owner and former marshal with the Colorado Springs Police Department. He said his background makes him the right choice for mayor.

"I believe I can start work day one," McDonald said. "Whereas I believe some of the other candidates, it could take them a full term before they have the background and knowledge and training that I already have."

Brian Bahr works in real estate and is the founder of Challenger Homes. Bahr said he supported the strong mayor initiative.

"I think the voters were very clear that they want strong leadership in our city, and I believe that I bring that to the table," Bahr said.

He said it's time to turn the city's economy around.

"Our campaign is running based on creating a strong economy on bold competition and investing in the future," Bahr said.

Gregory Gilmore, who goes by Buddy, is the CEO of Shape Technologies. He agrees Colorado Springs is ready for a full-time mayor.

"I've seen some very successful mayors, and the amount of time they put in, 60-70 hours a week is about the norm, Gilmore said. "And I think we're ready for something like that. I think there's a lot of work that needs to be done."

Gilmore said one of his goals is to rebuild trust between city officials and voters.

"Look for some very specific ideas, look for somebody who loves our community and is dedicated toward making our community better," Gilmore said.

Dave Munger, a retired businessman, and Kenneth Duncan, a recently laid off salesman, are also running for mayor.

Both want to bring more businesses to the area to create more jobs.

One thing all the candidates agree on is that with the right leadership, Colorado Springs has a bright future.

"Our city can be a lot better than it is today," Bahr said. "We have the potential to be a world class city again and with the right leadership we'll get there."

FOX21 News called and e-mailed Munger and Duncan for further comment, but they did not get back to us at this time.