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Harden resident Matthew Stadtmiller has been announced as the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party candidate for the upcoming Cootamundra by-election. Mr Stadtmiller, who operates an independent newspaper in Harden, pipped a number of high-profile rivals from across the region for the hot seat. A former councillor and deputy mayor in Harden Shire, the 33-year-old is currently campaigning for a seat in Hilltops Council, which residents will vote on this weekend, and has been an outspoken de-merger advocate. The independent editor has been a divisive figure across the community, attracting significant local support despite a widely publicised clash with Hilltops Council this year. A third-party report in August found statements made by Mr Stadtmiller and 2LF radio host Neil Langford claiming council had mismanaged and participated in corrupt conduct through the tender process were nonfactual and “totally incorrect”. However, Mr Stadtmiller questioned the legitimacy of the report’s findings, stating the investigation was “undertaken by an investigator chosen by council’s solicitors and (would) not be binding in any way shape or form”. MORE TO COME

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