One man, though, is hoping to bring the candidates together to show the community  they can work together and push for positive outcomes for the future of the shire.

Bowral Chamber of Commerce, led by president Geoff Hosey, is hoping its Meet the Candidates night tomorrow will bring some harmony to what could turn out to be a dysfunctional class of 2012-16.

“Everyone’s aware of the media comments regarding the swimming pool and this and that but what we’re looking for on the night is positive things going forward,” Mr Hosey said.

“How can we get the councillors working in unison together to keep and retain the essences of the Southern Highlands.”

Two of the front-running candidates, Cr Larry Whipper and Garry Turland, have no love for each other, as demonstrated when Mr Turland lashed out at Cr Whipper during a recent council meeting.

Mr Turland has even taken out a Code of Conduct complaint out on Cr Whipper, who called him a Neanderthal after Mr Turland claimed Cr Whipper could not swim.

“We need to have some harmony within the council. We can’t have this friction going on all the time,” Mr Hosey said.

“It doesn’t engender much appreciation of the council if they’re forever bickering over things.

“I know its not going to be perfect, but let’s put it to them and lets say, ‘hey, bring your manners with you’.

“People have the right to different views and we’ve got to respect that.”

The Bowral Chamber’s Meet the Candidates function is on tomorrow (Tuesday, August 28) at  Bowral Memorial Hall from 6pm-7.30pm and will be moderated by 2ST’s Grahame Day.

Each candidate will have the opportunity to present themselves to guests, which will be followed by questions from the public, to be submitted upon entrance.

Mr Hosey is asking for questions to be positive and forward-thinking and not critical of past/current councils.