David ‘Baron’ Schoeffel is the first local resident outside of the existing councillors to confirm his candidacy for the Edward River Council elections.
In addition to being a Deniliquin business owner, Mr Schoeffel works as a facilitator across the region.
It has included assisting with urban planning in Moira Shire.
He said his skills in this realm would translate well to a council setting.
Mr Schoeffel also said while he has some ideas for the future he would like to bring to the council table, he also knows it is important to balance new projects with assessment of the old.
“I think there is a space for fresh ideas and skills to help people work together,” he said.
“It is important that councillors are not just individually community minded and clever, but must effectively work together too. I feel I could be of benefit.
“Fundamentally, a massive morale piece needs to happen in this town.
“New people (on council) could provide a fresh outlook.
“I have some personal ideas about growth, including exploring joint ventures with private and public enterprise for mutual investment in the community.
“I want to help work toward a more congruent and collaborative economy.
“I also feel the communication efficacy in council, and to the community, needs to improve.”
Mr Shoeffel said there are several people in the community who could help drive council and the community forward, and would be suitable candidates for the September election.
He said he’s also willing to speak with any locals who want to know more about his reasons for standing and what he may be able to present to council if elected.
“There’s certainly a substantial number of people in this community with insightful things to say.”
Mr Schoeffel is the fourth local resident to confirm, so far, they will be seeking a seat on Edward River Council.
Nine positions are open for election, with the community to vote on September 14.
Also expressing an interest in nominating are existing councillors Shirlee Burge, Linda Fawns and Shannon Sampson.
Of the other sitting councillors, current Mayor Peta Betts said she is undecided about her candidacy and long-time councillor Pat Fogarty has confirmed her retirement from local government.
Cr Marc Petersen has said his intention is to stand again, depending on his work and family commitments.
Crs Harold Clapham and Tarria Moore were approached again by the Pastoral Times to have their intentions recorded in this article.
Cr Clapham replied and said he would provide a response by the end of the month.
No response was received from Cr Moore.
ERC has been operating with an eight member council since the resignation of Paul Fellows as deputy mayor and councillor in December.
Mr Fellows said his departure was for “personal reasons” which he has never expanded on publicly.
At the time of his resignation, he said he may consider standing again in 2024.
But speaking to the Pastoral Times on Friday, Mr Fellows ruled it out.
“At this stage, no, I will not be standing,” he said.
“I am chair of two national boards, and I need to be giving time to them.
“I am chair of NatRoads and of TruckSafe, and we are expanding TruckSafe into New Zealand so there is a lot of work going into that right now.”
Nominations for the 2024 local government elections close on August 14, with ballot draws to take place the following day.
For more information or to nominate, go to elections.nsw.gov.au.
• More election coverage will be included in coming editions. Prospective candidates are invited to contact Zoe McMaugh by calling 5881 2322 or emailing zoe.mcmaugh@denipt.com.au.