I'm sorry to appear cynical, but I also had similar ambitions a long time ago, and "succeeded" in getting elected - as a member of the party in power at the time. I can tell you, as an individual councillor, either as a member of the majority - or minority groups - and especially as an independent, you will be wasting your time. It's all about power and vested interests - and nodding the head to Central Government. I doubt you'll make a scrap of difference, however hard you try.