WITH a number of community leaders yesterday ruling out the possibility of running for council next election, the question on ratepayers' lips only gets more interesting: just who outside council will put their hand up to lead the region for the next four years?

Last week Kim Olsen became the first candidate outside Southern Downs Regional Council known to the Daily News to affirm he would contest the election. But he remains the lone wolf after the Daily News posed the question to a number of rumoured challengers.

Chamber of Commerce president David Littleproud, Warwick Tourism and Events CEO Tracy Vellacott and former councillor Sean Hegarty quickly put rumours of a tilt to bed, saying firmly they had no intention of contesting the March election.

Similarly, Southern Downs Regional Council (SDRC) economic development officer for Warwick John Randall said he would not put his hat in the ring.

"I'm concentrating now on my role (with council)," he said. "There are some interesting challenges and prospects ahead for our region and I would like to be part of delivering those opportunities for our local businesses."

Stanthorpe Chamber of Commerce president Norman Crisp said he too had "no intention at this point of time at running for council".

Warwick-based Remax real estate agent Darryl Evans said there was "not a chance" he would run, while Warwick business woman and regular Daily News contributor Lyn Prowse-Bishop said she had "no intention whatsoever".

"I don't think you do much good when you're on the inside (of council) for a number of reasons," she said.

"The problem with politics - and not just local but state and federal - is that people go in with the best intentions but eventually realise what they're up against and they just end up going with their own agendas."

Stanthorpe farming tycoon Howard Poole said he had considered running but, having just taken on another project, was too busy at the moment.

"One of the things that worry me is people are of the opinion the shire runs on a blank cheque," he said.

"Those who contest the mayoralty must realise the enormous task ahead of them, bearing in mind the pressure that would be put on from all levels of government, created by the continuing economic downturns. A new Mayor and council must support, where possible, established businesses and simplify the process of developing new businesses. They must support the push to have a much larger water supply for all sections of the region."

Fellow Stanthorpe identity, and former manager of the Border Post, Anne Lindsay, said she had "not made any definite decisions about running for council".

"Politics at all levels is always of great interest to me, specifically at local level, and particularly within the Southern Downs," she said.

"Local government is the cornerstone from which improvement and growth of all communities develops, and this must be valued."

Warwick-based Doug Cutmore and David Balfour - who both put their hands up for the by-election last year - said they would make their minds up soon.

Mr Cutmore said his decision would be based on SDRC's outcome of Slade today and he would "seriously consider running" if it did not "go back into the hands of the community" and went to Warwick Christian College.

Mr Balfour said he "hadn't thought about it much" but hoped to see some business owners put their hands up.

"I have just taken on another project and it's pretty full-on with that," he said. "I'll definitely be thinking about it, but I am leaning towards probably not running. It will be interesting to see who does run."

Mr Littleproud said he could "categorically state" he wouldn't run for mayor or councillor and would carry on in his capacity of chamber of commerce president while tourism guru Mrs Vellacott said her hands were "quite full" with Warwick Tourism and Events.

Former councillor Mr Hegarty said he had considered running, but it would be "a very cold day in hell" before he does.

"I enjoyed my time with Warwick Council and I think it would be a worthwhile challenge moving forward, but just at this stage I've got so many other commitments," he said.

"I just couldn't put myself into the level of commitment required. You've got to give up employment to do it properly and at this stage I'll still be studying (town planning). It's a much bigger commitment these days."

Just four sitting councillors - Jo McNally, Ross Bartley, Neil Meiklejohn and Vic Pennisi - have confirmed they will re-contest the next election in March.

Councillors Mally McMurtrie, Cameron Gow and Denise Ingram said they were still undecided but were leaning towards running again.

There is still no word from either Mayor Ron Bellingham or Deputy Mayor Peter Blundell, who said they would announce their position closer to the election.

All council elections in Queensland are held at the same time every four years, without the option of going early.