Expect Suzann Roberts Holshouser to carve out a reputation as an activist-politician once the House of Assembly reopens on October 31.

Seniors, policing, education and asbestos will be on her agenda and she aims to represent her constituents in a pure sense not as a delegate.

Ms Holshouser, who was elected MP for St. David's in the July general election, told The Royal Gazette that her life had not changed since her victory at the polls.

The first-time MP had been canvassing the district for a year prior to the election, holding regular meetings and handling parochial issues brought to her attention by constituents.

She was also insisting that the constituents do their part to make democracy work. And having squeaked into the House with a 15-vote majority over her opponent Danvers Seymour, the message remains the same.

“I want more people to come out to the meetings. I want to know that when I stand in the House of Assembly, the words coming out of my mouth are those of my constituents and not mine,” she said in an interview yesterday.

“I want to be able to really represent the community and not just be a politician - that really is important to me.”

Attendance figures at her monthly meetings and clinics vary, she said, but it could be better. “I've said this to the voters, ‘if you come out and put an ‘x' next to my name, when I need you I expect you to come out'. They have to be proactive - if you want something done, I can help you but you've got to help me.”

Well aware that a staggering 318 registered voters in her district did not bother to vote in the Island's first single seat election, she has continued canvassing and plans to see every voter at least once a year.

“I need to spend quality time with everybody. I need everyone to understand that we have an obligation to vote and I would like to see for the next election every voter feeling comfortable enough with the system that they can use their right to vote.”

In parliament she will adopt a debating style that's “respectful” and above the “childish bantering that the House has been known for,” she said.

Unlike any of the other new electoral districts, St. Davids is a real community which she is only too proud to represent.

“It's unique. I'm so privileged to have my name associated with St. Davids,” she said. “We have a restaurant, we have a school we have a post office and we have an airport on our end of the Island.

“It's unique - the people are unique and I'd venture to say they come together quite nicely.”

It also has asbestos - stored in open containers on the former baselands.

“If it's the last thing I do, I'm going to see that report,” she said of a long awaited study of the Island's asbestos problem.

And Ms Holshouser clearly plans to make sure that the legislature does something about what she sees as a potentially serious health tragedy waiting to happen.

“I don't know one 12 year old little boy that will not go for an adventure and sneak under that gate,” she said. “Not only are the containers corroding, they have suffered more damage during the hurricane.”

Born in St. George's, the daughter of Norman and Lita Roberts, Ms Holshouser is married with two sons.

She is probably most widely known as ZBM's weather presenter. But for the past five years she has also been working as a customer service representative for Bacardi International.