North and Strods join forces in Bathurst council election race

Cr North is running for a fifth term as a Bathurst Regional councillor, presenting himself as the lead candidate on a ticket of five, while Ms Strods is standing as a solo candidate.

Despite this, they are preferencing each other, asking their supporters to vote for them both on the ballot paper.

Their decision comes down a mutual respect for each other and appreciation for how they would approach council business.

"She does her homework, and as a councillor you've got to do your homework, and she's a straight shooter. I like it. If she disagrees, she'll say it, and I think you've got to be able to do that in a professional manner, that's what's important. I'd like to see Catherine on council," Cr North said.

He also appreciates that she hasn't been hypercritical of council and is showing a willingness to work with current councillors if they are re-elected.

Ms Strods was equally complimentary of the current mayor.

"I spoke to a couple of other candidates and councillors prior to speaking to Ian and it all just came across as political nonsense and there wasn't any substance to what they were saying, and they weren't even listening. They'd rehearsed a speech, and I found that really ingenuine," she said.

"It's the first time I met someone that's in council and was actually honest and willing to listen, and weren't speaking off a script."

They also share similar views on election issues.

"We both agree on all the key aspects, which I was surprised at, too, like the hospital, the pipeline and also with disabilities. I've done a lot of work in the past dealing with accessibility communities when it comes to emergency management," Ms Strods said.

"Everything aligned. We just matched."

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She has already received some criticism online for her decision to preference Cr North, but Ms Strods stands by her decision.

"It's sad. I've had people on social media completely just shut me down. They were supporting me and going, 'We think you're fantastic', and as soon as I said I was putting Ian as number two they've just completely flipped and started insulting my intelligence," she said.

She said council will need experienced councillors in the next term and believes Cr North, who has been a councillor for 18 years, should continue in his role.

The local government election will be held on December 4. Pre-polling commences this coming Monday at the Girl Guides hall and the Catholic Parish Centre.

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