A councillor elected on the Corporation of Hamilton for the first time has spoken about some of the future challenges facing the city.

Jim Butterfield, president of the Butterfield and Vallis food distribution company and the Bermuda Cement Company, said he was delighted to be one of five new Common Councillors who will serve at City Hall.

And he gave his views on major issues like the $639 million waterfront redevelopment proposals, the possible relocation of the cargo docks and making Corporation meetings more open.

Based on his job at Butterfield and Vallis, the newcomer said it would make sense if some of his time on the Corporation took in the docks and shipping industry.

"But I will do whatever I'm asked to do," he added. "It's a case of getting in at ground level and seeing what happens."

He described the harbour revamp plans as "very ambitious" and said he thought the Corporation may need to move slowly on the right development, which might need to be scaled down from the initial blueprint.

"I have to ask, how is all of this going to happen? The details need to be discussed further but at least it's got everyone thinking about it".

On the question of docks moving, he said: "I've always said the docks can't go to Morgan's Point, Dockyard or St. George's. It would turn what are already busy roads into a disaster."

He said the container docks either had to be operated efficiently at the current location, or the possibility of a deep water port on the North Shore should be explored.

The Corporation has been criticised for holding meetings behind closed doors, although the new councillor said open meetings at City Hall "were good for everyone".

He added: "I would love to return to the days when people were constantly told about initiatives."

Mr. Butterfield, 56, said his only previous involvement with the Corporation was with the docks advisory committee.

He said his recent decision to join the Corporation happened to coincide with vacancies at City Hall and an election period. Only five candidates were nominated for councillors, however, so no vote was needed.

The cement chief said he was looking forward to getting on board at the lowest level, learning the ropes and working with new Mayor Jay Bluck.