COUNCILLOR John Fry has confirmed that he wants a second term on Bathurst Regional Council in 2021.
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In February, before the 2020 local government elections were postponed, Cr Fry was one of three current councillors undecided on whether or not they would run for re-election.
Now though, in what would have been election week, Cr Fry has dispelled rumours that he wouldn't seek a second term.
"Anything could change in 12 months, but at this stage I'm intending to run and to go even harder," he said.
He was frank about his hesitation earlier this year, saying that the relationship between the nine councillors was very divisive and he found it "tough".
However, he thinks that the election next year will shake up that dynamic.
"There has been this five-four division and people calling themselves 'the Functional Five' and that has created a division in council, but they've only got a one-person majority and I think in 12 months time that dynamic could quite easily change," he said.
Cr Fry has also said he doesn't intend to run his campaign as a Greens candidate, which was the path he chose in 2017.
He reported receiving a lot of flack for that from the other councillors and will instead run as an independent to meet the "apolitical" standard they want.
"They prefer to keep [political party affiliations] covert rather than overt, so I'll go with the majority on that," he said.
Cr Fry described his first term on council as a "four-year apprenticeship" and said he wants "at least another term" to continue working on some projects he is passionate about.
"I'd like to see sustainable growth and that is not just that cookie-cutter model; up until now it's just been the same old subdivisions and same old houses. I'd like to see more innovative, environmentally-friendly and purpose-built housing," he said.
"Also, the Smart City thing, I'd like to see another data centre. Twelve months ago I asked the planners to report on the possibility of a data centre and now we've got one committed, so I'm very happy about that.
"And also the big challenge is sustainable water supply."
