After candidates each gave a three-minute address on their reasons for contesting the local government election on September 9, chairman John Hollis opened the forum up to members of the public to quiz them on issues of concern.

Kent McNab was one of those to ask a question on his pet issue – the need for a roundabout at the intersection at Mitre, Lambert and Suttor streets.

Mr McNab asked for a yes or no from each of the candidates on whether they would support council fully funding the roundabout if federal blackspot funding was not made available.

He particularly targeted mayor Graeme Hanger and demanded he make a firm commitment, but the mayor would not be drawn.

“I will not make a commitment until the process is allowed to run its course,” Cr Hanger said.

The response did not please Mr McNab, who was urged by Mr Hollis to keep his calm in the crowd.

Other candidates including Bobby Bourke, Alex Christian, Gordon Crisp, Rebecca Mathie and Steve Semmens were not as equivocal, though, immediately committing to ensuring council would fully fund the roundabout if necessary.

“We’re doers, we’ll make it happen,” Mr Semmens said.

Regular council attendee Peter Dowling asked candidates how many of them had been to a council meeting in recent times.

“I haven't seen many of you there. How do you know how council works if you don't go to the meetings?” he said.

Ms Mathie said she had attended a number of meetings in her role as manager of the Bathurst City Community Club but did not believe attending meetings was the “be all and end all”.

“Maybe not having been to meetings means you are able to go in with an open mind,” she said.