If you had one shot or one opportunity to seize everything you ever wanted in one moment, would you capture it? Or just let it slip?

These wise words were enshrined into history by an individual that some consider one of the most significant literary figures of the 21st century.

“Lose Yourself”, by Eminem tells a story of making the most of once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to obtain that elusive prize.

As the Kiama by-election rolls towards a crescendo in a week’s time, it does seem like Mayor Cameron McDonald sees this as the community’s one shot to secure everything its ever wanted (or needed) from the major political parties.

And here at The Bugle, we certainly think Mayor McDonald sees and understands the politics perfectly clear, despite what he says!

Prior to the federal election this year, The Bugle’s View was titled: “Your vote matters” and the theme of that edition was firmly around ‘show us the money’.

While it remains to be seen what the Albanese Government actually delivers for Gilmore, it certainly seems like the Labor State Government and Liberal Opposition have heeded the call to show us the money, for this by-election.

At last count, the Liberal opposition and candidate Serena Copley had committed:

• to the removal of a restrictive covenant over Council-owned land at Spring Creek,
• $26m for the redevelopment of the Kiama Sports Precinct, and
• $200,000 to upgrade lighting at Michael Cronin Oval, in Gerringong.

Not to be outdone, Premier Chris Minns and a cavalcade of NSW Cabinet Ministers have seemingly made the Kiama electorate their second home over the past week, striving to bring the seat into Government, and one step closer to a majority.

They have devoted:

• $200,000 towards transforming Kiama CBD into a Special Entertainment Precinct (you might remember this funding was initially rejected by the NSW Government, how a by-election can change things!)
• $3m in accelerated funding for pothole and road maintenance, and
• $9.6m in road works for the Macquarie Pass.

Both parties have committed to a rooftop helipad at the new Shellharbour Hospital which seems like a case of one-upmanship, even though the hospital is not located within the Kiama electorate.

When it comes to election commitments, it seems like the major parties have two distinct strategies.

The Liberal Party seems to be focusing on the part of the electorate covered by the Kiama Council, whereas the Labor Government is seeking to expend their reach to all parts of the electorate.

It remains to be seen which approach will appeal most to the electors, however on pure numbers alone, the population of the local government area is about one-third of the state electorate.

Either way, Saturday 13 September looms large, and The Bugle’s View is that we have one opportunity to seize everything we ever needed.

Whether it's Labor, Liberal or an independent, we need to make sure that we do not just let this opportunity slip.

Your vote matters.