But that hasn't deterred Lesley Smith from launching her own bid in both the mayoral and councillor elections for the September 4 polls.

Ms Smith, manager of educational quality for TAFE NSW Western region in Orange, she said was running an independent campaign without any political or business alliance.

"I'm a totally free agent and voice," she said.

She said it her first tilt at politics, saying it was time to stand up and offer her management, business and tourism experience to the city.

Ms Smith said she had been encouraged to stand by current councillor Joanne McRae. "She has been a great help," she said.

"I am very business savvy, I've managed large teams," she said.

Ms Smith said Orange needed a masterplan for tourism and more rigorous standards for approving development applications.

"I believe we're at the crossroads," she said.

Ms Smith said the influx of treechangers from Sydney was altering the city's demographics and pushing out housing prices, leading to locals struggling to be able to buy a home.

She said she was concerned about new housing developments in the city.

"The [small] 300 square metre blocks at Shiralee benefit no one," she said.

Ms Smith said they would not be cheap to buy and were aimed at generating profits.

She said while the new sports precinct at Bloomfield would aid the community there were other young people in the city needing help.

"Not every kids is sporting," she said. "Some kids at that age are not joiners."

Ms Smith said she would push for mentoring programs for young people who could receive guidance from others.

"It's almost like a lending library program. Hire them out, like a book, for a couple of hours," she said.

Ms Smith said going solo in an election did have its limits so she was trying to be innovative.

"Being a one person [candidate] I don't have a lot of funds," she said.

"I do have an Instagram account, I have a website, I've put a magnetic sign on my car," she said.

Every Thursday she attends Omars coffee shop in Woodward Street to meet people and discuss their concerns and she is handing out 'Vote 1 Lesley Smith' food items.

Ms Smith said said she was concerned at the 'disfunctionality' in some councils. "I am pretty appalled at what's happening around, at Bathurst and Dubbo," she said.

Crs Reg Kidd [mayor] and Russell Turner were ungrouped in 2017.

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