That or they are choosing not to nominate other candidates, instead running alone.

Candidate Debbie Arnott said she was listing the councillors who were involved in the sacking of council chief executive officer Peter Schneider at the bottom of her list.

"I have a strong alliance with Vicki Jellie and Otha Akoch who both operate with integrity and have a unique skill set that they can bring to council," Ms Arnott said.

Incumbents have been left out in the cold with only Mike Neoh and David Owen swapping preferences.

Mr Owen backs Mr Neoh, Kylie Gaston, Tracey Togni, Sue Cassidy, Otha Akoch and Bruce Campbell to run council alongside him. "I have chosen these seven candidates because I'm confident they will work hard to achieve the very best outcomes for our city," Cr Owen said.

Mr Neoh is backing Mr Owen, Tracey Togni, Otha Akoch, Sue Cassidy, Kylie Gaston and Bruce Campbell, while Cr Gaston said she hopes for a mix of new and old take up the seven seats.

The remaining two incumbents - Sue Cassidy and Peter Sycoploulis are among the growing number of candidates deciding not to suggest preferences.

"I am not preferencing anyone," Cr Cassidy said. "I am independent and I will leave it to the people of Warrnambool to decide. I can work with anyone."

Cr Sycopoulis said he had chosen not to nominate any preferences. "I choose to remain independent of any other candidate or group of candidates," he said. "Warrnambool ratepayers deserve nonpartisan and informed decision makers."

Matt Walsh said he was concerned there may be a divided council if voters followed preference recommendations. "I don't like the idea of the candidates dictating to the community who they should vote for," Mr Walsh said. "Change is critical; it is essential that voters read up on all candidates and make an informed choice before voting for the seven people whom they feel would best represent them and the community."

Ben Blain said he had selected all new candidates on the top of his preference list.

"Looking at the field there are so many new and exciting candidates putting their hands up this election," Mr Blain said. "I think it would be a shame to miss this opportunity."

Angie Paspaliaris, Steve Moore, Jim Burke, Vicki Jellie, Debbie Arnott and Max Taylor get his votes for a spot on the council. Michael McCluskey said he wanted residents to choose the people who they believed would best serve the community. "I don't do preference deals," he said. "There is a key question to be asked regarding the 'horse trading' that goes on with preference deals. Are they done for the benefit of the community or the candidate?"

Michael McCluskey said he wanted residents to choose the people who they believed would best serve the community. "I don't do preference deals," he said. "There is a key question to be asked regarding the 'horse trading' that goes on with preference deals. Are they done for the benefit of the community or the candidate?"

Thomas Campbell has backed Bruce Campbell, David Owen, Otha Akoch, Cassandra Prigg, Jim Burke, Vicki Jellie and Michael McCluskey.

Jim Burke indicated he wanted new faces on the council.

"My least preferred candidates are those who have had a go and left me in doubt as to their continuing value or their capacity to work constructively with a new team," he said.

Vicki Jellie's top preferences include Debbie Arnott, Otha Akoch, Richard Ziegeler, Matthew Walsh, Angie Paspaliaris and Jim Burke.

Ms Paspaliaris, Steve Moore and Richard Ziegeler are backing new candidates, while Anthony Earnshaw is not listing preferences.

Cassandra Prigg said she was backing progressive, positive candidates while Andrew Squires said he had decided to remain independent.

"I believe that Warrnambool's community deserve to have councillors who are elected on their own merit and not somebody elected due to preferences only," Mr Squires said.

Bruce Campbell, Jacinta Anderson, Lynn Hudson and Max Taylor have also elected not to preference other candidates.

Otha Akoch said he had selected mainly new candidates, while Tracey Togni said her preferences would bring a combination of experience and support.

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