There have been very few instances before recent times when such intense focus has been put on the city and the region by the country’s ministers.

And you know what? We don’t mind.

Solutions and funding for some of Wagga’s issues – roads, the hospital, infrastructure - are being seriously considered.

We’ve seen an enormous amount of cash be announced for projects across the region since the byelection was called and if this is what it takes to get things done, then so be it.

Daryl Maguire’s ousting has forced real focus to be turned to the seat of Wagga and exactly who might be the right candidate to take his place.

Warring parties and independent candidates have touted their causes, spruiked what they stand for and have asked the people to choose wisely.

Every week, almost every few days its seems, ministers have descended on Wagga to tour facilities, make announcements about upgrades and listen to the people’s issues.

Some may say that it’s just clever politics, or desperate politics, but as long as it’s getting results, do we really care?

Of course, it begs the question, why does it take something like a byelection for the region’s needs to be considered?

Politics is a funny game with a lot of promises made and often, very few fulfilled.

It’s a lot of announcements by those in power and a lot of promises made by those who are trying to take control.

The whole point of campaigning is to let the people know what you stand for, what you can do for the region, and then let them make a decision.

Then comes the hard part – keeping good on those promises.

Even if you aren’t successful all the time, the people want to see you fighting for their city.

Let’s hope that all of these announcements and visits and promises are paving the way for the people to elect the candidate that will actually make a difference in the city.