She raised her family here, and has run a business in Wollomombi for more than three decades.

In September, Ms Martin wants to join Armidale Regional Council’s first elected body because she says, it’s time for a positive, united Council.

“The Armidale region is a beautiful place and has a lot to offer,” she said.

“And I’d really really like to be part of a united Council.

“Where, if the decision doesn’t go your way, we walk out the door and back whatever decision has been made.”

The new Council needs to be more accountable to its bottom line according to Ms Martin.

And she believes, her 30 years in business make her the right person for the job.

“We have been in business for a long time and I think that makes you see the bottom line,” she said.

“It’s important to see that … and work towards things that will improve that.”

Ms Martin also said she would like to give people from rural areas a better voice on Council.

“With such a big Council I think it's important to have people from all over,” she said.

“It would be great to have someone from the rural areas.

“There are different issues that affect rural ratepayers.

“And It’s harder to get your voice heard when you’re out of the town so I think it's important to have someone who has a voice for them.”

Tourism is something Ms Martins believe the region can further develop.

She said Council’s job was to promote the region as a destination.

“We’ve just got to get it out there,” he said.

“Promoting the area as a whole - for small business, for industry.

She also thinks Council should put more effort into promoting small business growth.

“If you've got new business, then you've got new employees and then the families live and spend their money here too,” she said.

“We need to look at ways of attracting small business here,  whether it's through rates or what they pay on the rents.”

The Armidale Regional Council election is on September 9.

Candidate nominations open on July 31.