Resident Sue Riccelli is motivated to represent a diverse range of people including families and children if she is elected to City of Busselton council.
Ms Riccelli spent 15 years as a police officer and now works as a parenting coordinator for Anglicare.
As a result, Ms Riccelli believes she has a wide range of experience including working in a team, dealing with a diverse range of people and mentoring and leadership.
With her job she is part of many committees and often deals with a range of agencies including The Capes Early Years Network, Radiance Network and Paint the CAPE REaD.
Ms Riccelli said she could represent both Busselton and Dunsborough people as she lives in Old Broadwater Farm while her partner lives in Dunsborough.
I am genuinely passionate about the region and maintaining our pristine environment and natural assets
- Sue Riccelli
"I spend half my time at each residence and camping/ holidaying in the Cape region since childhood has led me to make this my 'forever' home," she said.
The candidate believes her drive for community is what pushed her to contest for council.
"I am absolutely community driven, as is demonstrated by my life long service to the community services industry," she said.
"I am genuinely passionate about the region and maintaining our pristine environment and natural assets.
"I believe that I can bring fresh eyes and approach to the council as well as some diversity given my varied background."
If elected Ms Riccelli would like to help improve and support the tourism industry, facilities for seniors, support 'at risk' youth and implement cost-effective strategies to tackle traffic congestion.
She is particularly worried about the amount of unregulated short stay accommodation providers in the area.
"I am concerned with the prevalence of unregulated and semi regulated short stay accommodation and the uneven playing field at the moment in the tourism and accommodation arena, as well as the rippling effect this has through local businesses," she said.
"I am also concerned that the 'buy local' campaign is not being fully supported and embraced by both community and local government.
"We cannot solely rely on tourism to keep our local businesses and economy afloat.
"More education and initiatives need to be undertaken to encourage our locals to buy local as well as ensure our tenders stay local and include the 'smaller businesses'."
Voting is not compulsory in local government elections, however you can send or hand in your ballot papers up until 6pm October 19.
There are six vacancies and 14 candidates in the 2019 City of Busselton council election.