ALBURY mayor Kevin Mack has not ruled out challenging Greg Aplin at the next NSW election after launching a broadside at the long-term member for Albury.
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Cr Mack, upset with the delay in the completion of the Riverina Highway upgrade and lack of action on the brain health centre after funding was provided three years ago, questioned whether Mr Aplin had lost the passion after 13 years in his role.
"Everything he seems to touch is turning into a disaster," Cr Mack said.
"(The Riverina Highway) is another example of Mr Aplin not stepping up to the plate and not saying to his government we need to finish these jobs.
"I'm really concerned we don't get good representation.
"If the passion is not there you need to reconsider what you are doing."
Asked whether he would "put up or shut up" and challenge Mr Aplin at the next election due in 2019, Cr Mack said: "I've got a great deal of passion about my community and it's not something I would discount at this point.
"I think an independent candidate would get as much for Albury, if not more, if we marginalise the seat."
In his former stint as mayor in 2014, Cr Mack took aim at Albury's poor deal in that year's state budget including no funding for the Riverina Highway.
Mr Aplin said the mayor's criticisms at the time would be a platform for him standing for Labor at the 2015 election.
"Some of the statements I've heard are very curious and there is obviously an agenda there that has been concocted with his mate Cr (Darren) Cameron," he said.
"The suggestion I am responsible for the floods and heavy rain last September-October I find very strange indeed.
"Particularly from a mayor and council which was only too keen to ask for money to repair roads and infrastructure.
"It's all self promotion for Kevin."
Mr Aplin said the mayor would also have no knowledge of the brain centre discussions.
Cr Murray King is also upset at delays with the Riverina Highway.
"The organisation of RMS in this instance is pathetic and the fact Greg Aplin is acquiescing to their excuses is poor form," he said.
"Greg should be at the desk of the regional manager of RMS banging his fist saying 'you finish this in the time you said you would'."
