Fixing up White Hill Field is among the initiatives proposed by prospective Sandys South MP Georgia Marshall, who said she’d been well received by residents during her canvassing.

The One Bermuda Alliance hopeful is running against the Progressive Labour Party’s Jamahl Simmons for the constituency long reputed to be a PLP stronghold.

The voters of Sandys South decide at the polling booths on Tuesday in the by-election for the district that was vacated by Independent MP Terry Lister.

Mr Lister, who announced his retirement from politics in September, had won the seat as a PLP candidate in the 2012 general election.

“The facilities at White Hill field have been in a shambles for many years,” Ms Marshall said, calling the reasons behind its state “complex”.

“But I do know this. We have able truckers, skilled masons and carpenters, electricians and energetic fund raisers in Sandys South. I know we can find private funds to get this done. I intend to form a Sandys South team to raise funding and secure donors, clean up the dilapidated debris on the field and set in motion the restoration of the facilities. “

A clubhouse was built in 1963, but was demolished in 2008. Ms Marshall said she’d been impressed by the willingness of the Sandys South community, young men in particular, who had told her they would help with a restoration.

“I have every hope that the trustees of the Somerset Bridge Recreation Club will also be receptive to this proposal,” Ms Marshall said. “It is clear under the Act which incorporated the Club that funds received for a specific purpose must be used for that purpose. I have no doubt that the trustees will be prepared to act with us in applying the money we collect to provide to our community a focal point for community events and for our youth.”

Its demise deprived the area of “a focal point where young and not so young can meet to share camaraderie and fellowship”, she said.

The 55-year-old family lawyer and area resident has been “overwhelmed and even humbled” by the warm reception she’d been given on the campaign trail.

Crime was a concern, she said, with gang culture creating “a new kind of evil oppression” that held back young men.

“This is a scourge on Bermuda that must be met head on with profound disgust, anger and action on the one hand and on the other hand by parents doing all they can at home for their children, refusing to accept mediocrity in school or by the school, and by encouraging positive activities,” she said.

Despite the Island’s “healthy discussion” on a changes to cannabis laws, she said drug dealers, who were often gang members, remained a “present danger to our community”.

“Our focus must remain on making life in Bermuda as uncomfortable as possible for anyone who preys on the weak,” Ms Marshall said.

Asked about the area’s top concerns, she cited the need for jobs and repairing the economy. Ms Marshall said that recently announced initiatives such as a deal for a new airport terminal, as well as the Ariel Sands rebuilding, stood to create work and spread revenues through the community.

“I’ve heard statements by the Opposition that they now understand what is needed to fix the economy. I say to myself, ‘Really?’ I’m afraid I don’t put any trust in their statements. They were in large part the authors of our economic misfortune.”

As “a mature, able, capable woman”, Ms Marshall said it was time that she stepped beyond the courtroom to help advance women’s issues in Bermuda.

“As a result of three weeks of intensive and rewarding canvassing, I have learned a great deal and have been able to share my vision for a better Sandys South and Bermuda,” she said, adding that her tenacity as a lawyer would be reflected in her advocacy for the constituency if she were elected.