Ahead of this Saturday's state election, we've asked the six candidates vying for the role of Member for Cootamundra what they thought voters wanted from their parliamentary representative.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Sitting member Steph Cooke is seeking re-election for the National Party. Opposing her are Country Labor candidate Mark Douglass, Shooters and Fishers candidate Matthew Stadtmiller, Independent Jim Saleam, Greens candidate Jeffery Passlow and Sustainable Australia candidate Joseph Costello.
Ms Cooke said it's a privilege to meet so many people and hear what they have to say to the NSW Government.
READ ALSO: Meet the candidates
"That I can then carry their voices with me into parliament has always been an honour and a duty which I take extremely seriously,' Ms Cooke said.
"I promise voters of Cowra, Young and Grenfell that I'll continue to represent them with all my heart and with all my might so that together we can make a difference".
"I entered politics because I wanted to make a difference. In fact, I'm passionate about making a difference, about being a voice for the communities across the Cootamundra electorate."
Labor's Mark Douglas was succinct in his reply.
"To put local people first, to be honest, and not be mesmerised by Sydney or ego," he said.
Shooters candidate Matthew Stadtmiller said voters "wanted to be listened to, to be provided with results".
"They shouldn't have to wait until just before an election to have promises rolled out," he said.
"The Nats have taken most of their branding down and are distancing themselves from their own party. I am a proud country man who is happy to support a country party who will stand up to the Nats."
Regardless if he is elected on not, Greens candidate Jeffery Passlow said he wants a member of parliament representing Cootamundra who means and does what he or she says. "If it can be done, do it. If it can't be done, say it can't be done," Mr Passlow said.
"All too often a MP says what they think the electorate wants to hear or say what they think will make them popular."
Independent candidate Jim Saleam says his voice in parliament will be the "loudest roar since the miners rose at Lambing Flat".
"The voters should understand that their representatives are usually members of party-machines controlled by those who own and mis-direct Australia," he said.
"You get what you vote for."
Joseph Costello is an eleventh hour nomination for Sustainable Australia Party, he said he is focused on better planning to stop over development and returning real planning power to local communities.
"Our current economy is overly reliant on property speculation due to rapid population growth in the cities.
"This is leading Liberal and Labor governments to play catch-up on city infrastructure leaving regions like Cootamundra without their fair share," he said.
You can cast your vote on Saturday at the Town Hall, Young North Public School, Young Public School, Wombat Soldiers Memorial Hall and Murringo Public School.
