THE political rivals of Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson have two very different views of the NSW government's budget - one thinks Tamworth came out ahead because of political competition, while the other says the seat had been left looking like its neighbour's "poor cousin".
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Shooters, Fishers and Farmers candidate Jeff Bacon said the seat got more than it had in previous years, which was "clearly because the political competition drove a better result".
"That's evident from all the items in the budget, because they were campaigned on by myself throughout the state election campaign," Mr Bacon said.
"Look at Rangari Road - that's been an election promise for three terms, yet never made the budget until decent political competition from the Shooters.
"It's the same with Gunnedah hospital. That's been an ongoing issue for over a decade and again didn't see any action until I started a petition for the upgrade.
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"The classic example is Werris Creek Road - in a letter to a resident in May 2018, Kevin Anderson agreed with council's determination that the road was in good condition. He only change his position because of the campaign I led."
However, independent candidate Mark Rodda lamented the electorate's share of the state's coffers.
While, he acknowledge that Mr Anderson fulfilled his election promises, it paled in comparison to the $300 million committed to the Northern Tablelands, which left Tamworth looking like its "poor cousin".
He's also sceptical of when the projects will get underway.
"I can see what's going to happen with the Gunnedah hospital upgrade, they'll delay it and turn the first sod in September 2022, six months before the next election," Mr Rodda said.
"Then they'll point to it, to show how they're 'getting on with the job', despite the fact it's been a whole term since the promise was made."