Former sparring partners in the Senate Maxwell Burgess and Colonel David Burch do battle again in District 7, Hamilton South.

The constituency is about 75 percent of the old Smith's South, which Mr. Burgess and Trevor Moniz held for the United Bermuda Party.

Mr. Burgess, a former Labour and Home Affairs Minister, won the seat in a by-election in 2001, beating Col. Burch by just under 200 votes, when C.V. (Jim) Woodridge retired.

A middle class seat, according to Mr. Burgess, it mirrors almost perfectly Bermuda's racial mix and includes business owners and employees.

Mr. Burgess, the Opposition Whip in the House of Assembly, says the election is about good government and giving Bermudians the government they deserve - not about whether the Progressive Labour Party deserves another term in office.

And the key to getting improvements in the constituency is to work in partnership with those on the ground, he said.

He cited calls for a playground for toddlers as a good example where he would work with the parish council to find a suitable location.

Another parochial concern is the need for more bus shelters. Residents have been calling for an improvement to the public toilets at John Smith's Bay. And voters have called for private roads to be paved.

Mr. Burgess said the UBP's plan for a seniors' health clinic and guarantee to meet the prescription needs of the elderly not covered by insurance was proving a big hit on the doorsteps.

The seat runs from Paynters Road and South Road in the east to Harrington Hundreds Road in the west, and is bordered by Harrington Sound Road and South Shore.

Mr. Burgess said: “It is about getting out there, meeting people and hearing their concerns and understanding that it is not sufficient to just hear them, but you have to be able to work with them.

“That's why on the location of a playground for toddlers, I will work with the parish council, and on estate roads, I will work with the property owners.

“This is not about the PLP or the UBP, but it is about the people's future. It is not about ‘we deserve a second chance' from the PLP, it is about what they, the people, deserve.

“Our seniors' plan is going down well big time, from seniors and also middle class people who are worried about their future going forward.

“I would say I am in with a good future chance, but it is not an area that can be taken for granted by anyone.”Col. Burch said he was too busy canvassing to be interviewed for this article.