Clover Moore, 79 in October, is seeking a sixth term at the helm of the City of Sydney, pushing her reign into a third decade.
She outlined a vision to business leaders on Monday night to create 200,000 jobs and more greenery as well as measures to enhance the city's global reputation.
"There is more to do and I'm motivated and excited to take our work to the next level and to meet the challenges ahead," Ms Moore told a candidates forum.
But the length and nature of her reign in city hall was a touchstone for many of those vying to unseat her.
Several candidates have included term limits in their platform.
"Under my leadership, the city would be more democratic," local pub owner Susan Ritchie said.
"We believe 20 years is far too long in a position of public office, whether it is the mayor, state premier or prime minister," accountant Sam Danieli said.
Yvonne Weldon, the first Indigenous person elected to council, meanwhile attacked Ms Moore as "inflexible, dogmatic" and focused on "legacy building".
"Sydney has suffered because of the Lord Mayor's team and how they exercise absolute power by a rigid voting bloc of councillors who are anything but independent," the first-term councillor said.
But Ms Moore's longevity was far from the only issue on candidates' minds.
"Our city is infested with rats and I will get rid of the rats," Mr Danieli said.
"They're having a great time multiplying 100 times an hour."
More than four million people are due to vote in local government elections in NSW on September 14.
8°C