The candidates for the position of Common Councillor in today's St. George's election all hope to help turn the town around.

Alfonso Harris, owner of Churchill's, said that he decided to get involved with politics because the town was being treated like an afterthought.

"I wanted to get involved because all of a sudden, we were being told no," he said.

"No ferries, no cruise ships, no hotels yet, no New Years.

"I live here in the community and I'm just trying to do what I can do to help out."

Steven Hollis, the only current Common Councillor running for re-election, said that improvements to the town's infrastructure were necessary, pointing out the roads as an example.

"The roads need paving, but before that we need to address what's underneath it, and we're going to have to work with Government on that."

While his business Ocean Sails has maintained steady, he said that other businesses in the town have not been as lucky.

"The stores down here are hurting. Certainly the retail sector is starting to feel the pinch."

He said that the Corporation and Government needed to do more to attract local business, saying: "We don't really think about all the people who leave the town at 8 a.m. and come back at 6 p.m.

"We're still a very 9-to-5 town."

Lifelong St. George's resident Renee Ming is throwing her hat into the political arena for the first time, saying that she felt the need to work for her community.

"I've been a lifelong resident of St. George's," she said. "I've got strong ties and deep roots in the community, and I just felt that I should give back.

"In my walkabouts, in my going door-to-door, crime seems to be a major issue.

"The history of the town is a strength, just like the people. We engage each other as if we're family.

"What I'm hoping to do is to get involved and work with the public, and the Corporation and the Government to improve the town."

Teacher George Sutherland believes that without a scheduled cruise ship, work needs to be done to keep local businesses alive.

"Our inability to attract a cruise ship is going to cause a marked turndown.

"There has already been a pretty high rate of closures in the retail sector.

"It would be good to look at ways to encourage business owners, like some sort of concessions."

Businesses would also be supported by an increased Police presence in the town.

Also running for the five positions of Common Councillor are Executive Aide to the Premier Jahmal Simmons and Eakin Carters McLaughlin.

Also being contested in the election as the position of Mayor and three positions as Alderman.

Current Deputy Mayor Kenny Bascome will be running against former Mayor E. Michael Jones for the position of Mayor in today's election.

Meanwhile Kirby Brackstone, Louis "Red" DeSilva, Beau Evans, Clarence Minors and Garth Rothwell are all running for three Alderman positions.

The elections will be held today at St. George's Town Hall between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m.

Only those registered in the municipality and holding photo ID will be allowed to vote.