Stuart Driver believes he can claim one of nine spots at this year's Bathurst Regional Council election, after announcing his candidacy for September's vote.
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Mr Driver, who has called Bathurst home since 2012, has previously run for council, being number four on Graeme Hanger's ticket for the 2017 council election, garnering 113 ordinary votes.
This time round Mr Driver will be running as a solo candidate and he's confident he can get on council by himself, encouraging voters to vote below the line.
"I will not be forming a group but running as a genuine independent candidate. I am prepared to stand before the Bathurst community on my own merit," he said.
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"It is excellent for Bathurst to see a field of quality candidates who, with the support of the electorate, I look forward to working with to repair the damage of recent times and return to what is a very progressive Bathurst.
"I was offered to be on a team and to lead a team, but I'm happy to stand on my own. I'm confident I can get on by myself."
While he said he was comfortable to run as part of a group at the 2017 council election, he was disappointed with his position in the team.
"I was comfortable with my decision to run as part of a group in 2017 but obviously disappointed with the position I was ultimately offered in that group, a decision that resulted in only the lead candidate being elected, notwithstanding the group attracting 20 per cent of the primary vote," he said.
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"It was distressing to hear the very poor judgement of our most recent mayor but then the extent in which the current council has become dysfunctional and the disrespect shown by some councilors towards their colleagues over this past term. This must stop."
Mr Driver has extensive experience in policing, as well as having tertiary qualifications in civil care and security.
Having worked in estate and probate law locally he is also known for his interest in community affairs and has a strong interest in the areas of guardianship and mental health.
Mr Driver has a focus on the progress, development and welfare of the Bathurst community and wants to see a balance between the city's heritage and development.
"If it is going to be kept, it must be functional, used and especially not neglected," he said.
"While we need to protect our heritage generally, at the same time it is essential we encourage vibrant modern development, which is necessary for Bathurst to grow and prosper."
For more on Mr Driver, email vote1StuartDriver@outlook.com.
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