Robert Bell to stand for mayor against Michael Pearce at Uralla council elections

Mr Bell became a councillor in 2016 and has worked for the organisation for more than 35 years before that in a number of roles, including director of infrastructure.

Mr Pearce has been mayor since 2012, he kept the position in 2016 when Uralla Shire Council switched to a popularly elected mayor system.

But according to his challenger it's time for a change, and more community consultation is at the top of his wish list should Cr Bell become mayor.

"It's been frustrating, it's difficult because as a director I could get things done if I saw a need and could directly communicate with the public," he said.

"The whole process of the council just seems to be removed from the community and I'd like to see that change.

"I want to try to engage more with the community and give them a sense of ownership in the whole process."

Given the public votes for who is mayor as opposed to other councillors, Mr Bell acknowledged his reputation as an outspoken figure may prove beneficial.

READ ALSO:

He did admit it will be difficult to contend with Mr Pearce's reputation though, given the incumbent has been a councillor since 2008.

"It's always difficult because obviously the mayor has a higher profile, but the community support I've had has been encouraging," Cr Bell said.

"But whether that's enough to get enough votes is always intriguing, politics is something I'm involved in but I don't fully understand."

Aside from increasing consultation and transparency, Mr Bell said balancing the budget without reducing services is something he would like to focus on if he was voted in.

He also believes some consistency in council staff may help find solutions to problems, and he revealed there had been roughly an 18 per cent staff turnover in recent times, which he said is "unheard of".

If Mr Bell is unsuccessful in challenging for the position of mayor, he said it would still be his intention to continue serving as a councillor.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: