SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- “I've decided I'm going to run for mayor of the City of Syracuse,” said Stephanie Miner.

The decision comes as no surprise. Those who observe city politics had few doubts that when 2009 arrived, Stephanie Miner would be in the thick of the race for mayor.

“The process that I went through was first deciding whether I wanted to stay in elective office. And then deciding if that was yes, what kind of office was I interested in, which really got to the fundamentals of what I enjoy about being a public servant and what I like,” Miner said.

Miner has served eight years on the council. In that time, she has become a leader on a number of issues, often sparring with fellow democrats on the council and the city's mayor.

“Every day when you wake up in the city of Syracuse, you've got two strikes against you. And so you need an executive that is able to make tough decisions, able to make hard decisions and fight for the people every day,” said Miner. “That's what I think I bring to the table.”

The most contentious battle was centered on the Destiny USA project, with Miner leading a majority of councilors working to block a multi-year tax deal.

“Obviously, the Destiny project had a lot of heat surrounding it. And I'm very comfortable with the decision that I made in that,” Miner said. “I think the council's very comfortable. And, as time goes on, I think it gets more and more obvious that we made the right decision.”

In the long run, Miner says she is confident voters will understand the positions she's taken and appreciate that she has listened to all sides before taking those stands. She will face opposition for the mayoral nomination. Council President Bea Gonzalez is one likely opponent.

Miner says she is in the race, all the way to a September primary, if necessary.

“Running for mayor of Syracuse is not for someone who's faint of heart. You have to be really committed. And I'm committed to the long haul, so I will do what is necessary to get my vision out, talk about my ideas for the future of the city of Syracuse and I think I'm going to be well received,” said Miner.

Some other common councilors facing the end of their term limits are positioning themselves for another democratic nomination battle. Long-time councilor Van Robinson will announce Thursday that he's running for the presidency of the council. The council's majority leader, Bill Ryan, is expected to challenge Robinson for that nomination.