Cr Butler, an engineer by trade, said he had consistently spoken and voted to support the majority view of local residents. He said the move to gain State Government funding to construct more bus stop shelters throughout Yass Valley was an example of how he had introduced “progressive ideas” to Council.

The initiative to reduce waste generation and pass resulting savings on to ratepayers was another example. He will be joined by Margaret Head, Louise Burmester, Norbert Burmester and Stephe Jitts.

“We have some things in common in that we are all interested in promoting what is best for Yass Valley,” Cr Butler said.

Murrumbateman councillor for four years, Cr Butler said a focus for councillors would be the settlement strategy plan and region masterplan. Ms Head has political experience in governance and Ms Burmester brings community to the fold.

“Margaret is ideally positioned to take over the role that David Needham played… Louise is very community oriented and council needs a lot of that,” he said. 

Ms Head from Murrumbateman is the principal of Margaret Head and Associates, and heads the Murrumbateman Progress Association and Yass Valley Community Groups Presidents association.

She has actively campaigned for improvements to the Barton Highway and encouraged the community to work with local police to reduce crime in Yass Shire.

Ms Burmester has lived in Murrumbateman for 31 years and is a founder of the Murrumbateman Social Group. Associated with the Murrumbateman Preschool and was once a playgroup coordinator. She is a former Miss Australia contestant, wedding agency proprietor and real estate manager.

Her husband, Norbert Burmester, will run third on the ticket. An electronics engineer who works in Canberra on a range of Government contracts.

Last on the ticket is retired audiologist Stephe Jitts. Mr Jitts is well known in Yass through his work in restoring his home, historic Old Linton. He has wide experience at Board, Executive and Director levels in Government and private organisations.