“FOR the first time in a long time, the Tamworth electorate has a couple of really good candidates to chose from.”
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That was the reaction of Shooters, Fishers and Farmers candidate Jeff Bacon, when he heard Tamworth councillor Mark Rodda would run in the upcoming state election as an independent.
On Friday, Cr Rodda announced he would join the electorate’s three other candidates, in what is shaping up to be a hotly contested race.
“Voters have a big decision to make,” Mr Bacon said.
Labor’s Stephen Mears said the stiff competition was likely to breed positive results.
“By bringing those voting numbers closer together, and stopping the Nationals from getting an open path to the podium all the time, we’ll get a better deal regardless of who is in parliament,” Mr Mears said.
“More importantly, it gives people options. [Cr Rodda] is an excellent candidate and a great family man.”
Cr Rodda said there was growing disillusionment with the Nationals, and he plans to give the electorate a “genuine community voice”.
Incumbent Tamworth MP and Nationals candidate Kevin Anderson welcomed Cr Rodda to the contest but defended his record.
“We’ve been working very hard over the last three years; we’ve put a lot of good things in place,” Mr Anderson said.
“That has really set the platform for us to springboard off. We’ve got a good, strong strategic plan for the next four years.
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“I firmly believe that if you look after the people, the politics will take care of itself. That’s what I’ve done for the last seven years.
“I'll be making sure I do everything I possibly can to continue to progress the Tamworth electorate well into the future.”
Mr Bacon said there would “undoubtedly” be lots of crossover issues between himself and Cr Rodda.
“The electorate of Tamworth has always had a large independent support base, and the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party is a truly independent political party,” he said.
“Politics is a contest of ideas, and I believe my vision for the electorate will sway voters towards me and my party.”
As for Cr Rodda, Mr Bacon labelled him a “man of honesty and integrity”.
”He’s served well as councillor to date, and I wish him luck,” he said.
Jamieson Murphy
Newcastle Herald news director. Interested in any and all yarns. Whisper g'day mate to me at jamieson.murphy@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Newcastle Herald news director. Interested in any and all yarns. Whisper g'day mate to me at jamieson.murphy@austcommunitymedia.com.au
