President and chief operating officer of Sun Control Ltd David Sullivan is also running for the office of Common Councillor for the Corporation of Hamilton.

Sun Control Limited is an all-Bermudian, small company located in North Hamilton, which specialises in the sale and service of hurricane shutters, as well as patio awnings and window and door screening. It also has a property service division, which specialises in condominium management.

Before starting his own company, Mr. Sullivan worked at the American International Co Ltd and worked in their international reinsurance reporting division as an accounts supervisor.

When asked, why should the people of Hamilton vote for him, he said: "I have over my 54 years on earth, accumulated a tremendous amount of experience and practical learning.

"It is this asset that I believe will be required to face the many daunting challenges that face the Corporation in the near future.

"I was once told that 90 percent of knowledge is knowing where to find it and 10 percent was knowing how to apply it."

Mr. Sullivan is a both a graduate of and former instructor, at the Bermuda College's Department of Hotel Technology. He also has qualifications from the University of Maryland and an AIM designation in the insurance field.

So, why did he decide to run for local office?

"I have been exceedingly fortunate in my limited time on earth," said Mr. Sullivan.

"I firmly believe and my record will show that it is only through unencumbered service to your fellow man that de-facto your life will improve. As a father and now grandfather, I owe it to the generations that come after, who will ask, 'what did I do?' I can unequivocally say I tried."

When what is one of the first things he would work on if elected, Mr. Sullivan said: "Should I be so fortunate, first, I would listen as to why Hamilton must do without a cruise ships.

"Then I would hope to encourage both the members of the Corporation as well as Government of the great misfortune in not having regularly calling cruise ships in Hamilton.

"The devastation that will be wrought on the very little retail that is left, as well as the supporting restaurant and evening entertainment sectors in my opinion has been greatly underestimated."

He added: "It is a travesty and those responsible for taking their eye off the ball should be admonished.

"It is poppycock to try and convince the people that there are no cruise lines that have ships sufficient for Hamilton. Those responsible must only travel on airplanes. I sometimes question the thought process used in making decisions of this type.

"It is as if we developed the art of catering to shipping in the past 40 years. Do they not appreciate the history and culture of what Bermuda is all about? It is almost inconceivable and about as valid as a hospital in the Botanical Gardens."

On the topic of development in North Hamilton, Mr. Sullivan said: "As a small family business located on Parliament Street, I can more than identify with the value in developing North Hamilton. I live it on a daily basis.

"Let me be clear, North Hamilton happens to be a destination – the fact that there appears to be some tacit support, long overdue, for small business in this country in itself should be celebrated. "Whether it be, the BSBDC or Government or both in combination with others – it is a policy on the right track, which I whole heartedly endorse."

The husband of Janice, father of three daughters, and grandfather of two, says that some of the more obvious points is the traffic and residential parking.

"That as a given I would like to turn to more futuristic vision: A City Plan; A Plan for our waterfront; and a need for a cohesive forward plan which would include the residential, commercial, business and tourist related services that make up our 24/7 city."

Many people complain that Hamilton has or is losing its charm with all the new buildings that are not of Bermudian architecture, but when asked what his thoughts were, Mr. Sullivan said: "Like many in our community, I sometimes pause and question what it is that we are allowing too happen.

"Hamilton is not the city of 100 years ago or even 50, but I believe that when good people of reason, reason together, progress in its many manifestations can be made palatable."

Regarding parking in the city, he said: "The quick answer is to restrict access. Practically that will not happen. So, the answer lies in education and retraining of the consumer. Whilst it is tough to convince people that driving is a privilege, not a right; I believe that the commuters are willing to participate and support a reasoned well thought out, and participative solution to the problem. That has not yet occurred."

Mr. Sullivan's career to date has been long and varied.

In 1979, he joined the Gulf Oil Corporation as a project accountant for Insco Ltd, Gulf's captive insurance subsidiary. Two years later, he was appointed director of administration.

By 1982, he took on the role of assistant secretary for all companies operated from Bermuda.

During 1985, the Chevron Corporation assumed control of Gulf Oil Corporation and he was subsequently appointed Corporate Secretary of the group of Companies.

Four years later, he was assistant treasurer with responsibility for the fixed income portfolio of $1.2 billion.

1990 saw him elected as director and vice president of the Chevron Companies in Bermuda and in 1991, he resigned to pursue entrepreneurial opportunities.

Mr. Sullivan has been active in organisational and community affairs in Bermuda with one of the highlights having been elected a vice president with Junior Chamber International (JCI) in 1981. He served on the international Board of Directors of the organisation with responsibility for the countries of English speaking Africa. He was also awarded life membership and the designation of JCI Senator within that organisation in 1981.

Additionally, Mr. Sullivan has been involved with the Rotary organisation for the past 17 years and served as president of Sandys Rotary during 1998-99. He has also served with the Bermuda Biological Station for Research and the United Bermuda Party in a number of capacities. In November 2002, he was appointed a Justice of the Peace by former governor Sir John Vereker.