I would not be so sure with many voters in Bathurst having a bigger vision for the state than policies affecting Bathurst and district.

We are aware of the selling off of many public assets to raise money to fund large Sydney projects such as WestConnex.

Unless the new premier puts an end to selling off money-making assets, astute voters in Bathurst may change their vote and this could be the demise of Paul Toole.

Are there any talented would-be independent politicians waiting for an excellent opportunity to represent us in the NSW Parliament?

I WANT to express my grateful thanks to all the wonderful volunteers, including Barbara, Wayne, Derek, Cecil and Tony, and the many others who drive the Bathurst Cancer Bus each weekday to the Orange Base Hospital radiotheraphy section. The bus leaves each morning from Daffodil Cottage at 9am.

I want to send a big bouquet to all the drivers who so willingly give of their time to be our chauffeurs.

Residents of Bathurst have much to be thankful for this service, and a special thanks should go to Peta Gurdon-O’Meara and her fellow committee members who had the foresight and worked so hard to get this bus for patients in Bathurst and surrounding areas.

Professor G Stephens is the radiation oncologist who cares so well for his patients at both Bathurst and Orange, assisted by a dedicated team of staff at both places.

All the drivers and patients have a caring feeling towards each other and the 45-minute trip each way is a happy time spent during our ride. We even get the time to know all of the pot holes during our journey back and forth to Orange.

Thank you to one and all for your wonderful support during my radiotherapy treatment. You have helped me so much during this difficult period in my life.

You have all done very well.

I WAS pleased to read the good comments from Bryan Mason (“Consolidate the councils and give Toole his credit”, Wednesday, February 15) about our state member Paul Toole, who Mr Mason has not actually met.

My late husband Mac Scott was involved in local councils for over 40 years.

When Blaxland Shire amalgamated with Lithgow Council, there was no problem with ratepayers. When Evans Shire amalgamated with Bathurst Council, there was no problem.

So let’s hope Oberon ratepayers forget all the nastiness shown by some people and think of all the good Paul Toole has done for our region.

I don’t agree with the comment from Marj Armstrong that Mr Toole may not live long enough to have Oberon ratepayers trust him again.

I wish Oberon good luck and I’m sure Mr Toole would agree with me.

Instead of nastiness, stop and think.

AT the risk of being cynical, I would like to remind Frances Press ("Ignorance or cowardice? Either way, it’s a disgrace”, Saturday, February 18) and others that the government receives money in the form of taxes for non-renewable energy, but nothing from renewables.

Why would they listen to those who are opposed to coal-fired power plants?