The foul smells may have finally dissipated and the rodents have scurried to more appropriate locations, but there's no doubt the six-week long civic workers' strike has had a lingering effect, especially when it comes mayor David Miller's reputation.

An Ipsos-Reid poll conducted shortly after the strike ended showed that Miller's popularity plummeted to an all-time low of just 29 percent.  Twenty-five percent still declared him a great leader, while a more monumental 79% agreed it's time for a new mayor.

The main issues voters are concerned with are taxation and municipal spending.  Crime came in at a close second followed by the economy, transportation, social issues and health care.

The mayor didn't seem too perturbed by the results.

"I don't take polls too seriously," he said.  "The same polling company said I wouldn't win the last election."

Although no one has officially thrown in their hat to oppose Miller, Ontario Deputy Premier George Smitherman hinted on Tuesday that he could step up to the challenge.

"I don't have a campaign statement, I'm just acknowledging publicly that yeah it's something I'm thinking about," Smitherman admitted on Tuesday.

"Timing is everything and...there is quite an emerging consensus in the city about the need for change."

Miller seems resigned to the fact that he'll soon be facing numerous rivals for his position.

"I know there's going to be lots of candidates, I look forward to elections, elections to me are about listening to Torontonians but also about telling them where you stand."

There were rumblings Wednesday that Smitherman and John Tory were in talks to ensure that only one candidate was chosen to take on Miller come election time next November. 

Tory admitted to meeting with Smitherman, but denied that such a deal was in the works.

"I think we've just agreed that the city is in trouble, can do much better, and that we should continue to talk, as I'm doing with other people who have expressed some interest in running, to make sure there is a clear choice given to people in terms of change at the time of the next election.

"There's no deal with anybody, including George Smitherman, but I think that I just felt and he felt, as well as the others, it's wise for us to stay in touch so that voters have a clear choice if they are looking for an end to the spending and taxing government, and end to this government that seems to get nothing done properly.

"I care deeply about this city," he concluded.  "I think this city can do much better than it's doing, I think tax payers are not getting good value for their money, they are paying more and getting less."