With less than two months until the election for Griffith's 12 councillors - one resident has said he won't be running as a candidate.
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Winemaker Bill Calabria has said he will not be putting himself forward for the September 4 election and wanted to quash any rumours suggesting it was the case.
"The rumours that I would be standing as a councillor are definitely not true," Mr Calabria said.
"I have to thank everyone who has reached out in support."
Mr Calabria said his focus was on running his business - Calabria Family Wines, which recently took home a Best in Show award for its Iconic Grand Reserve Barossa Valley Shiraz 2018 and had salvaged the historic McWilliam's brand from administration.
He said age was another factor which meant he wouldn't contest the election; saying "the age of 73 is a little bit too old".
However, he said he would continue to as a passionate advocate for his home.
"I love Griffith and have always tried to promote everything we do well in our region, and have always encouraged visitors to come and sample all our great products that are produced locally," Mr Calabria said.
"I will continue to work for our community and hopefully set an example for the next generation to follow, for the future of Griffith and our children."
Mr Calabria said like successful businesses - Griffith's civic leaders needed to cultivate the next generation of leaders who would shepherd the city into the future.
"I believe we have missed an opportunity that senior councillors should have had a succession plan in place," he said.
"Just like other business organisations, moving forward for the next generation with all the knowledge and experience they have accumulated over the years would have been a great benefit for those coming up."
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He said the city's councillors bore a huge responsibility bringing challenges which could be solved with the support of other councillors and Griffith's community.
"It is so critical that councillors are elected to represent our community, who need to work closely together as one for the future of our great city of Griffith and the surrounding area," he said.
"We've got to do what's best for the community and the town, it doesn't matter which political team you're on.
"We need people with a vision of what Griffith can become."
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Declan Rurenga
Declan Rurenga was the editor of Griffith's Area News and Leeton's Irrigator until September 2023. Before landing at the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area, he reported news in Junee, Wagga Wagga, Orange and Cootamundra.
Declan Rurenga was the editor of Griffith's Area News and Leeton's Irrigator until September 2023. Before landing at the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area, he reported news in Junee, Wagga Wagga, Orange and Cootamundra.
