A look at each of the Armidale Regional Council candidates and what they stand for.

First on the chopping block was independent Jon Galletly, a small business owner sick of seeing industry move to Tamworth.

Questioned about the 200 odd refugees settling next year, Mr Galletly said he did not think they would be able to work on properties or in small business.

“We’re just too much of a different society here than them, I hope that we respect and welcome them,” he said.

Next up was independent Les Davis, with the catchphrase Make It Happen.

One of his bolder ideas is to bring the New England Regional Art Museum into the CBD, despite the $315,000 spent on upgrades to the building this year.

Independent Jack Rapley was the second candidate to be questioned on Ian Tiley’s legitimacy as a candidate.

But, he preferred to discuss his own plans for the region – including initiatives to bring business into town.

“You have to go knocking on doors and you have to identify businesses that are missing in Armidale,” Mr Rapley said.

Half of Collaborative Opportunities – independent Trev Smith introduced himself with a poem.

Transparency, representation of all factions of society and equality are his principles.

Following Mr Smith was Country Labor lead Debra O’Brien, who, as usual, fielded questions about her autonomy as a political party representative.

Quality services for the community, keeping Council jobs and services local and transparency in her decisions are her objectives.

Then came Greens lead Dorothy Robinson who, unsurprisingly, will stand for sustainable initiatives.

When questioned on whether or not she would support a large-scale abattoir – notorious for waste, she would, provided it was sustainable.

Short in stature but not in personality, independent Maria Hitchcock said the public could rely on her to stand up to the bullies and advocate for residents.

Proving her willingness to stand against criticism when Guyra ANTY group member Gordon Youman questioned her campaign against the forced-amalgamation.

“I actually campaigned against the amalgamation because I knew that Armidale residents would be subsidising Guyra residents for a number of years – that’s why,” Ms Hitchcock said.

Independent Jack Hobbs spent his minute thirty outlining his involvement in the community.

As a member of the University Council he wants to better link Armidale with the University of New England.

First Guyra resident to hit the stand, independent Aileen MacDonald was met with a few murmurs in the crowd when she said rail transport north of Armidale is not viable.

Water security for Guyra and opening the region to industry are on her agenda.

Sporting buff and independent Colin Gadd said investment in new sporting facilities would reengage youth.

“We need to make sporting activities cheaper so that everybody can afford it,” Mr Gadd said.

Aberfoyle independent Simon Murray introduced himself as the former deputy-mayor of Guyra, “before I was sacked,” he said.

Looking after the whole region is his main sticking point, he wants Council engaging with communities like Tingha, Hillgrove, Ebor and Wollomombi.

Tallest candidate, independent Andrew Murat wants to see Council run as the business it is.

An advocate for the Armidale Regional Airport, he is passionate about developing the industrial land blocks to move the town ahead.

Next up was independent Kevin Dupe who, as the CEO of Regional Bank Australia, fielded a lot of questions from the crowd about his finance management skills.

“I’m much more a person that likes to invest and have a go than count the beans,” he said.

Rugby fanatic and independent Tom Walsh is focused on pushing the University of New England, he believes its our biggest asset alongside agriculture.

“We’ve got to keep the international students coming here,” he said.

Team Margaret O’Connor lead, Margaret O’Connor wanted to quell rumours that the former Council she sat on “did nothing”.

Armidale as a city of digital literacy is one of her goals.

“Angry” head of New England Futures Group David Levingston had the crowd onside when he said he was sick of workers migrating elsewhere while the previous Council spent money catching parking perpetrators.

Wollomombi independent Libby Martin wants to combine multiple retailers in one rental space, she believes that will draw more business to The Mall.

The refugees settling in Armidale will be one of our biggest assets, independent Jim Maher said.

Steering away from big business, independent Gordon Cope wants to see Armidale as a hub for niche industry.

Independent Peter Bailey thinks Armidale could rival the Parkes Elvis Festival with a Peter Allen Festival.

The second half of Collaborative Opportunities Brad Widders, levelled himself as the average bloke, with the communities best interests at heart.

Believing change is for the best, independent Di Gray wants Council to lead the way in environmentally sustainable living, with a team that can work together.

Avid bike-rider and independent Dale Curtis is passionate about sustainability, and would like to see Armidale adopt zero-net energy, similar to Uralla.

Wearing a vintage Armidale Dumaresq Council pin, independent Herman Beyersdorf said when he gets one for Armidale Regional Council, he will wear it proudly.

Independent Joshua Fittler tried a hand-raising experiment with the crowd that failed miserably, but won them back with his focus on community engagement.

And finally, independent Martha Saw shared her vision for Armidale as a centre for agri-tourism.