Another candidate?

Anthony Cassino's recent filing with the city Campaign Finance Board has added grist to the rumor mill that he is gearing up for possible City Council run.

The Community Board 8 chairman opened an official campaign committee with the Finance Board on Oct. 3. While he didn't specify a race, many have already speculated that he has the council seat in his sights.

In an interview with The Press last week, Mr. Cassino said he has not yet made up his mind whether to run, but that he set up the committee because he is "exploring it seriously."

He said if he does run, "I have to do it on my own terms," adding, "I don't need a career change. I love my job and I love what I do in the community."

The question he is weighing, he said, is "Could I do more for the community in the City Council?"

Mr. Cassino, a member of the political group Northwest Bronx Democratic Alliance, said that he's happy on the community board, and has learned that if "the right person is in a position, you can get a lot done."

"In the City Council, you can do a whole lot. I like the localness of it, yet they are involved in citywide issues as well."

With more than a year to go before Oliver Koppell is forced to give up his seat due to term limits, the race is shaping up to be a contentious one, with some heavy hitters already announcing their intentions to run or admitting they are considering it.

So far, the only confirmed candidates are Jamin Sewell, a longtime aide to Mr. Koppell, and Helen Morik, a local resident who works as vice president of government and community affairs at Columbia University Medical Center.

Ari Hoffnung, who ran unsuccessfully against Mr. Koppell in the 2005 City Council race, is also a potential candidate. He said he "would seriously consider" a run.

Other possible candidates include Randi Martos, chief of staff to Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, and William Weitz, Congressman Eliot Engel's chief of staff.

As of Monday, Ms. Morik, Ms. Martos, Mr. Hoffnung and Mr. Weitz have yet to file with the Campaign Finance Board.