Bundanoon resident and independent candidate Rachel Russell is frustrated with the state of the roads and roadside verges in the Wingecarribee Shire.
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Ms Russell said that council needed to get back to basics and fix the roads.
"We need to be able to get to work or do the school run without worrying about hitting a pothole and the expense, inconvenience and stress of doing in a tyre, rim or the wheel alignment," she said.
"The technology is available to fix potholes and patchy roads so the repair lasts.
"It costs more to do the job properly, but I think we can all agree this is a proper and accountable investment of ratepayers' money, and a way of rebuilding trust in the council after so many years of dysfunction."
Ms Russell has identified the roads as an immediate policy focus.
"Everyone knows how bad it is," she said.
"Particularly after it rains it becomes the topic of conversation. Dodging potholes can be downright dangerous."
Ms Russell said it was important to understand how roadside verges and drains were constructed and managed if council was to "get it right"
"I have just spent a couple of hours with a retired engineer learning about how roads are built, and what causes problems so I can focus on solutions," she said.
"Community consultation will need to be a part of that.
"We also need to reinstate a maintenance schedule, with a clear and concise timeline for repairs, and stick to it.
These are core responsibilities for the council to attend to so we get things back on track."
Ms Russell said she would focus on the future, and what infrastructure the Highlands needed to address the challenges ahead.
"There is an important discussion to be held about how we address traffic issues and parking pressures," she said.
"I'm here to help resolve those issues also, as I have a background in integrated transport planning.
"That process is longer, however, as it will require a coordinated effort with State and Federal Governments.
"In the meantime, we can work towards having the quality of roads our community needs to get about safely on their daily business."
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