We absolutely adore this area and are having a wonderful stay at Merimbula. Unfortunately your glorious shire is marred by dog poo everywhere.

Sadly in Spencer Park, for example, I estimate a fresh dog drop on average in every 2sqm. This morning a group of lovely young ladies were doing their fitness training in amongst it all.  We had to look at the grass rather than the view to dodge the poo until we got to the waterfront.

It's so easy to put in plastic bag dispenser plus a bin with penalty signs. Patrolled for a couple of weeks the word will get around fast. Such thoughtless dog owners! Otherwise it's superb everywhere.

We need a fourth major party. If I had another choice I wouldn't vote at state or federal levels for the Labor, Liberal or National parties.

These three couldn't care less about rural or remote Australia. The only thing they care about is getting re-elected so they can continue to collect their huge salaries, perks and astronomical pensions.

The National Party, which used to be the Country Party, needs to give the Liberals the flick and go back to being a real country party whose major interests is rural and remote communities, not hold hands and say yes more often to those whose only interest is pleasing the rich metro electorates. If that happens the Liberals will be out for a very long time.

Bega, like all country towns, has issues that must be addressed:

Hospitals vastly understaffed particularly in emergency wards that put many lives at risk 24/7;

Lack of dedicated youth centres to keep kids off the streets and provide them with role models and motivation;

Dedicated mental health doctors especially in emergency. In this area a few burly security guards wouldn't go astray either;

Rehab centre to address the drug problem, particularly ice; and

A TAFE that runs real hands on trades courses not all the online push-a-button Mickey Mouse courses.

Wanting to make a difference is the difference. So for both state and federal elections take your vote very seriously and question closely anyone you are thinking about voting for on the issues I have outlined and many more I am sure you can come up with. As the Democrats used to say, let's keep the B's honest.

The votes are in and the people of the Bega electorate have indicated they are more than comfortable with the status-quo.

So let me tell you my personal story. I've been diagnosed with a medical compliant, common to many males in their middle to later years. Relatively simple to repair, however potentially life-risking if left unattended.

My options? To have it dealt with at our new Bega hospital as a public patient will require me to be placed on a wait list of at least 12 months. Perhaps fortunately I have private medical insurance. But we have no private hospital in Bega any longer, so I must travel to Canberra along with accommodation at my own cost, as this is the only other option.

It is my understanding that local medical specialists requested the unused theatres in Bega hospital be made available for use as private hospital facilities, but that request was rejected.

Yes, more of the same is OK; just don't get ill in the Bega Valley.