Cr Kidd, Orange mayor in 2008-9, missed several council meetings this year due to a personal health issue, but said he was determined to maintain his busy schedule of community involvement.

“As long as I am willing and able the community will get 500 per cent out of me,” he said.

“I’m approachable and I do the hard yards.

“I work for the people, not the other way round.”

Cr Kidd said council’s focus should be on consolidating infrastructure including roads, footpaths, amenities and sports fields – and not property development.

“I don’t believe that council should be in development. That should be the prerogative of business.

“We are there as a council, as a conduit between businesses and what’s good for our community.”

He said he supported the purchase of land near the Orange airport to create a buffer and meet aviation requirements but did not support an industrial park there.

Cr Kidd said there was industrial land at the saleyards and Electrolux factory sites.

He has previously been in breach of the council’s code of conduct but said he was keen to work with fellow councillors and staff to provide a united council.

“The most important thing is that as a councillor we represent all the community without fear or favour.

“It’s absolutely critical we have upmost  accountability and transparency.

“I don’t believe in factions, everyone should operate as an individual in their debate and we go forward with issues, once decided, as a council for the community.

“I think there should be robust debate. 

“We should question recommendations or suggestions that are brought forward so we have complete openness.”

Cr Kidd has taken a while to decide whether to stand.

“I had no doubt, I just really hadn’t made my mind up.

“I love Orange, I am involved with a swag of voluntary committees,” he said.