In a dramatic about-face from his well-documented cynicism of tickets, Cr Kendall will lead the Next Generation Wagga group of council candidates at the Saturday, September 10 election.

In the lead up to the last local government poll in 2012, Cr Kendall said “I’ve always not liked group voting” and “independent candidates are the most committed and in all likelihood the best performers”.

The local government stalwart changed his tune when approached by what he described as “a younger generation of civic leaders with qualities to make good councillors, but with virtually no chance of being elected”.

The mayor’s running mates include – in order of appearance on the ballot – Coca-Cola Amatil district sales manager Tim Koschel, IT Solutions business owner David Merlino, Department of Family and Community Services staffer Donna Argus, Paul Watson from the construction and building maintenance industry, mother Leila Bright, business consultant Robyn Kirk and property consultant Madeleine Powley. 

Cr Kendall went on the front foot to quash likely rumblings about his motives, strenuously denying the ticket was a power play to form a voting bloc under his control.

“I will not influence how they vote,” Cr Kendall said.

The foster father of three children under the age of 12 said the appeal from fledgling politicians appealed to his penchant for mentoring.

“They are passionate about the community and want to serve in civic office who came to me and asked for support,” he said.

In a break from the norm, the Next Generation Wagga ticket has not compiled a list of priorities nor has it cemented positions on battleground issues like parking, potholes and rates. 

“The easiest thing to say is we will build a new sporting ground or car park; it’s much harder to commit to a balanced decision making process with a holistic view of what’s best for the city,” Cr Kendall said.

“The typifying characteristic of this group is a will to ask people what they want and get a good handle on the community’s wishes.”

Running mate David Merlino said the promise of mayoral guidance convinced him to throw his hat in the ring.

“You can't be thrown into the deep end expected to learn how council works while trying to achieve something for Wagga at the same time,” Mr Merlino said.

“I want to try and help Wagga move forward, because it’s been stagnant over last 10 or more years and not expanding as quickly as it should.

“I want to promote business to keep young people here.”