Wife of the late deputy mayor Jeremy Ball, Karina Stojansek, and former mayor Janie Finlay yesterday announced their intention to run as alderman.

Ms Stojansek said it was a tough decision to make at a ‘‘very tough time’’.

Mr Ball was killed in a car crash on September 15.

‘‘(Jeremy and I) had talked about it previously and I always thought about it,’’ Ms Stojansek said.

‘‘We shared everything and worked together as a team and the thought of not having that in my life and guiding Launceston in that direction made me think ‘maybe it’s time I get involved’.

‘‘I know what I’m in for and I know I’m capable of doing it and I know I have a lot to offer.’’

Ms Stojansek said she hoped to continue her husband’s legacy but had plenty of her own ideas to bring to the table.

‘‘Jeremy had a very broad focus, he was very visionary. My focus is on community,’’ she said.

‘‘I’d never come anywhere near Jeremy but I wouldn’t try to anyway. I’m a different person and I have different skills to offer.’’

Mrs Finlay (nee Dickenson) was Australia’s youngest ever mayor when she was voted to the position in 2002 – aged 27.

She served on the council from 2000 until 2007.

Mrs Finlay said the completion of a long-term project allowed her to throw her hat in the ring.

‘‘I had been giving it some consideration,’’ she said.

‘‘I’ve completed my largest project and all business interests I’ve been involved in have either wound up or I’ve been able to successfully sell them off.

‘‘This is really exciting and something I’ve always wanted to get back into.’’

Mrs Finlay said she had no intention to run for mayor or deputy mayor in the near future but would ‘‘never say never’’.

The mother of ‘‘three adventurous boys’’ said she believed the position of alderman would allow her to best serve her community and family.

‘‘This is something I believe I can do with my family ... my family experience helps inform me.’’

Since resigning from the Launceston City Council, Mrs Finlay worked as a Shepherd and Heap business broker, NAI Harcourts director and owner-operator of the Royal Park Art Gallery. She is chairwoman of the Launceston Tornadoes.

The full list of candidates will be announced by the Tasmanian Electoral Commission at 12pm today.