The independent candidate spent four years on Bland Shire council, where he introduced a road building technique that lasts three times longer.

What are the big issues Wagga faces?

After the wet winter our roads are cracking to pieces, there are big potholes and it’s going to be a huge job repairing them all.

Council could borrow to fix roads while interest rates are at historic lows.

A big problem is federal Financial Assistant Grants (FAGs) go to metropolitan councils that raise more revenue from parking alone than we raise in rates.

The federal government raises $15 billion each year from fuel excises and road registrations, but only about $1.5b comes back to roads.

What can be done to ease the city’s traffic congestion?

The east-west bypass of Edward Street and Gobba bridge duplication with pedestrian and bicycle access both make a lot of sense.

It’s a shame they didn’t have the foresight to build more lanes on the Gobba Bridge; someone had some brains when they built eight lanes on the Sydney Harbour Bridge in 1923.

One thing I like about the rail trail is it provides a safe place for people to ride their pushbikes.

What do rural residents need from Wagga council?

If there’s too many town residents on council they forget about farmers.

Rural residents don't get sewerage, kerbs, guttering or rubbish collection, so it’s easy to forget them.

Most of those residents don’t ask for much but they need good roads to transport cattle, lambs and grain to town.

Council also needs to stay on top of noxious weeds, wild dogs, pests and diseases.

How can council foster a more cohesive community?

I'd like to see Wagga create around two hectares of community gardens, where each family gets 20 square metres to grow whatever they want.

It would be a great educational tool for young kids, many of whom don't know tomatoes grow on a bush because they only see them on supermarket shelves.

There would be virtually no cost to council, it would get people out in the fresh air doing exercise and it would bring the community together.

Should councillors have more influence over operational matters?

Councillors don't seem to have input about general running of council and councillors must feel like they’re not steering the ship.