As I said last week I am paying attention to the City Council race for Bill de Blasio's seat. Nine months until the primary, it's interesting to hear that this crowded race is already being called a two-man race by the Brooklyn Paper, when most citizens are barely aware of the candidates at all.

So what gives? Well, according to the BP, it's all about the money –who's got it and how much. Alright. So who are the two candidates with the most money?

Brad Lander, director of the Pratt Center for Community Development, has, according to recently released campaign finance documents, raised $105,548.

Josh Skaller, president of Central Brooklyn Independent Democrats for the past two years, and an executive member of Democracy for New York City, has raised $75,788. 

But what about the other candidates?  Hammerman just rolled out his campaign last week and hasn't turned in  his campaign finance forms yet.

And what about the others who have thrown their hats in to fill Bill de Blasio's big shoes. Hats and shoes this is getting weird. Let me start again: who's running and how much money have they raised?

–Bob Zuckerman — executive director of the Gowanus Canal Conservancy — has raised: $43,098.

–John Heyer — community liaison for Borough President Markowitz — has raised — $18,080.

— Gary Reilly, lawyer and subway advocate  — has raised — $14,865.

–Craig Hammerman, district manager of Community Board 6, has not yet filed campaign finance documents.

–Steve DiBrenza has just announced. 

It's time for the citizens of this district to start paying attention before the media tells us who's winning when we barely know who's who. It's a crowded race and a respectable list of candidates for deBlasio's seat. But it's up to each citizen to do the homework, meet the candidate, learn about the candidates and even contribute money if they are are so moved.

Don't let this race happen without your input. Even nine months ahead of the primary.