John Niven, who has been a councillor with the Grenfell based Weddin Shire for 17 years, is standing as a candidate in Hilltops on December 4 after making the move from Bimbi to Hilltops Shire.
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"I have a track record of engagement with community, transparent governance, robust debate and opposition to cloak and dagger nonsense," Mr Niven said ahead of the Hilltops elections.
"I grew up at Eugowra, left school and went shearing in NSW, QLD, WA and New Zealand," Mr Niven said.
In 1972 he went to Canberra and after a short stint with Commonwealth Police had 10 years with the communications section of Foreign Affairs.
"In 1984 I moved to a 200 acre farm at Bimbi and children Paul and Leanne joined me shortly after, attending primary and secondary school at Grenfell. We managed around my shearing and somehow they never missed the school bus."
Mr Niven has been a resident of Hilltops Shire for the past four years.
"In 1990 I purchased 420 acres and in 2002 another 800 acres.
"In 2013 Christine and I purchased a house and 10 acres in Young and I eventually moved here after selling the house block at Bimbi in 2017.
"We enjoy being part of a seniors social group and the Farmers Market.
"I am passionate about environmental sustainability, especially agriculture and forestry. Responsible financial management will be a priority. I will remain independent and avoid petty alliances. Discussion and consideration of community views on such issues as Boorowa water supply, Council ownership of heavy machinery, heavy vehicle by-pass for Young, asset sales and every thing else is vital," he said.
