September 23, 2012Dear Sir,The Progressive Labour Party wants one thing; to stay in power. The One Bermuda Alliance wants one thing; to gain power. How will they both achieve their goals? From what we have seen so far the PLP will go to any lengths to retain power. Their only excuse for Bermuda’s dire financial position is “the global recession” but there is more than enough proof that our financial problems lay firmly at the feet of the PLP Government’s extravagant spending and unwise policies. The PLP will of course use “race” as it has won the last two elections for them, even though, in doing so, they have driven a wedge through Bermuda’s heart. They won the first election as an untried party on merit and their promises to reform. Their only other weapon is untruths and spin, which many believe is a prerequisite for a politician.The PLP have promised that there will be no redundancies in the Civil Service or from other Government organisations, even though there is ample proof that the economic drain on our economy is driven primarily by the high cost of paying the salaries, wages and benefits of around 8,000 people from taxes paid by the private sector. How will the PLP balance the budget, start paying of the debt and restore confidence in Bermuda so that overseas and local business men and women will invest and create jobs?The OBA are keeping their cards close to their chests, and based upon what happened to the UBP’s last two election manifesto documents, that is hardly surprising. The OBA are in the same position the PLP were in 1998, an untried, unproven party with a desire to change Bermuda from what we now have to one that provides prosperity and security for all Bermudians. On the face of it that won’t be difficult as Bermuda has never sunk lower than it has over the last five years. The OBA have also promised not to make Civil Servants and other Government workers redundant, so I’m looking forward to reading how they will balance the budget, start paying of the debt and restore confidence in Bermuda so that overseas and local business men and women will invest and create jobs.For those Civil Servants and other Government workers who believe that whether the PLP or the OBA win the next election that their jobs are safe, I have a bridge to sell you. Neither party will jeopardise 8,000 votes before a general election when seats are often won or lost by ten votes. Come the aftermath, jobs or days will go; there is no alternative, so consider carefully which party is more likely to come up with the solutions that will enable most Bermudians to gain employment over the next five years. Remember those infamous words from one of our most eloquent Premiers following a general election. “We had to mislead you”. It’s your choice, your vote, use it well.VOTERPembroke