Bathurst Regional Council candidate Stuart Pearson has unveiled his five-person ticket for the council election on September 4, with a shared goal to respect the past, respond to the present and prepare for the future.
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Mr Pearson will be joined by businessman and distiller Toby Jones [number two], heritage advocate and former teacher Iain McPherson [number three], disability and senior citizens advocate Irene Hancock [number four] and architect Ingrid Pearson [number five].
"We're a pro-business team and we're definitely about offering an alternative to the current, dysfunctional council," he said.
"We all share a passion for this region's heritage; it's a key aspect in enhancing our destination credentials."
Mr Pearson was the first candidate to go public with his campaign in February last year, where he wanted to see an increased focus on Bathurst's cultural tourism capabilities.
His stance has remained consistent since, saying he "would love to help put that extra bow on Bathurst's tourist revenue."
"Sports tourism has served us very will, and will continue to do so, but I'd love to see one more string, cultural tourism, tied to that bow to double the town's visitor," Mr Pearson said.
Mr Pearson said the region's heritage assets, including the Bathurst War Memorial Carillon, as well as creative and artistic endeavours deserve to be staples of Bathurst's cultural tourism.
"Our heritage is an asset, not a liability, and plays a vital role in selling the image of our town to new residents and visiting tourists," he said.
"I don't want Bathurst to be turned into a Parramatta or a Chatswood, so we need to nurture our heritage buildings and plan our region accordingly to ensure a prosperous future."
Mr Pearson was instrumental in organising the inaugural Festival of Bells, which drew over 2000 people to the Carillon across the second weekend in May.
He said an ideal councillor should be honest, show integrity and vision, and be prepared to listen to what people say and want while putting self-interest aside.
"For Bathurst to prosper and remain the economic and liveable region we all love, we need councillors who will listen to the community and provide leadership and vision we can be proud of," he said.
"This city is only going to grow in future years: we need effective housing, water security and town planning to prepare for this influx, and Bathurst needs a council ready to take this seriously."
Mr Pearson joins Cathie Hale, Robert 'Stumpy' Taylor and Bob Singleton as first-time lead candidates not currently on council.
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