I RECENTLY received a letter from Paul Toole offering me a $250 Seniors Transport Card.
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I rang his office to see about getting this card. Surprise, surprise, the offer is contingent on the NSW Coalition getting back into government.
At no time was the word bribe mentioned, but if something waddles like a duck, quacks like a duck and looks like a duck, then, in my opinion, it is a duck.
We have already seen Premier Gladys Berejiklian offer Orange squillions of dollars for development provided that the sitting member is ousted and the Nationals are returned (to a seat once unassailable to any other party). Not a bribe.
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Politicians of all colours engage in populist behaviour, slinging a few thousand here and a few thousand there (with the mandatory photo opportunities). This behaviour is definitely not to be viewed as a bribe.
It made me reflect and offer a report card on Paul Toole's performance on the major issues affecting our electorate (and on the rest of NSW).
- Bells Line of Road. Fail. (Is it true that the four-lane corridor to link Kurrajong with Sydney was sold by the State Government to developers?) Bells Road is now a dead duck no matter what the politicians say.
- Forced amalgamation of councils. Fail. There is little doubt that it was appropriate in some circumstances, but the uncompromising slash and burn approach to all councils by Paul as minister was found by the courts to be flawed.
- Greyhounds. Fail. Again, a slash and burn approach because of the actions of a few bad eggs. Decision reversed and a $500,000 taxpayer prize offered for a race.
Paul, my vote is not for sale, old mate, and nor will it ever be.
Best of luck in the election. You and your party are going to need it.
