Alectown farmer Maurice Davey is the newest candidate to put his hand up for the March 23 State election - standing for the Christian Democratic Party.
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A fourth-generation farmer, Maurice is married to Merren, they have raised four children and now have five grandchildren.
It's securing a future of hope for those generations, hoping to bring a farmer's common sense to the table, that has prompted Mr Davey to put his hand up as a candidate as this time.
He's been involved in his local community all his life, and now sees the importance of having a voice at a higher level.
"I am talking to people who are concerned, particularly young families and young parents who are looking to the future and seeing some of these radical agendas that are coming onto the scene," he said.
"Sooner or later, someone's got to stand up and be counted.
"While I'm not a trained politician I feel we've got the experience - and I say we because it's a joint effort - we've got experience in how to handle real-life issues."
Top of his agenda are infrastructure development and drought initiatives; strategies to reduce crime, drug and alcohol abuse; and supporting religious freedom and values in education.
"Water is a huge issue, whether it comes to the highway here (Forbes) that goes under for four to six weeks, what has happened in Queensland, or the general drought that we find ourselves in at the moment," Mr Davey said.
Both the big infrastructure issues, such as flood-proofing of the Newell, and small events that will help get people through the current drought are on the radar.
He also believes agribusinesses need support in these tough conditions - and after talking to business owners he believes payroll tax concessions would help with that.
"Even if we could relax (payroll tax) for a year, even give half payroll tax, that's a good place to start," he said.
"This is a big thing, and it's going to have ramifications for a long time, and we have to be thinking about the whole community."
When it comes to crime, drug and alcohol abuse he also has a multifaceted approach, starting with ensuring a strong foundation in childhood.
"I quote Frederick Douglas, an American social reformer, who said it is easier to build a strong child than to repair broken men," Mr Davey said.
"I'm really interested in maintaining chaplaincy and school scripture."
Providing more rehabilitation places and ensuring police are adequately resourced are also vital - whether that means more boots on the ground or more administrative support to get through the red tape.
He also believes there needs to be more rehabilitation opportunities in our region for people with drug and alcohol issues.
