Wodonga businessman Noel Howard not impressed with candidates banding together in Alliance for Change

Noel Howard, a former Ford motor company executive and Mann hardware chief, said he believed blocs had hurt the city previously and the Alliance for Change risked repeating problems.

“I’m worried they’ll subsequently be found to be conflicted and as a result lose the integrity of what they set out to pursue in the first place,” Mr Howard said.

“You must never compromise your independence and your integrity and unfortunately that has happened consistently.”

Mr Howard also said Alliance member David Johnston was “definitely conflicted” due to being a Border Mail journalist and asked if he would resign if elected.

Johnston admitted it was unlikely he would be able to remain at The Border Mail as a councillor. 

“The conflict of interest issue is the very reason I've taken leave of absence during the campaign,” he said.

“Journalism 101 is never assume anything and I am by no means a certainty to be elected.

“If I miss out, I'm hoping my employer wants me back, but if I am elected I can't see how I could continue to work at The Border Mail.”

Alliance member Adam Koster rejected Mr Howard’s view of the group’s position.

“Ultimately we will consider each decision that comes before council on its own individual merits and every councillor should consider an item on its own mertis,” Mr Koster said.

Two election candidates Veronique Janel and Alison Reed are also wary of the Alliance.

“I think in the interests of transparency they need to come clean about what it is really about,” Ms Janel said.

“The sceptic in me is thinking there is something behind it.”

Mrs Reed backed Mr Howard’s assessment that it was “not the best way to go in”.

“If you’re a good leader you should be able to stand on your own,” Mrs Reed said.

Wodonga returning officer Alan Cuman said the Victorian Electoral Commission had no problem with the Alliance.