New Aldermen and Councillors for the Corporation of Hamilton have been confirmed by City Hall officials.

Candidates elected as Alderman were David Dunkley, William Black and Sutherland Madeiros. As they were the only candidates nominated, no election was needed.

And the only candidates nominated, and therefore elected, for the office of Common Councillor were Courtland Boyle, George Grundmuller, Wentworth Van Putten, James Butterfield and Graeme Outerbridge.

The Mayoral election takes place next week between Lawson Mapp, Sonia Grant and Jay Bluck.

Hamilton mayoral hopeful Jay Bluck yesterday outlined his vision for the city, including a crackdown on crime, more open meetings and a commitment to the arts.

Mr. Bluck called for more Police to make the streets of Hamilton safer and said that, if elected, he would press the Premier and the Governor for tougher action on crime-fighting.

He also threw a potential lifeline to critics who say the recently unveiled waterfront development plans would ruin the harbour area.

?It?s designed to be big and grand because we wanted to start a discussion and grab people?s attention. I?m sure that the Corporation would be willing to downsize the plan,? Mr. Bluck said.

?They can?t make it any bigger, but they can certainly reduce it and I?m sure that will be the ultimate outcome.?

He said that under his leadership, there would be no movement on the $639 waterfront development blueprint without lengthy consultation involving all stakeholders, especially Front Street property owners.

On law and order, he said that the perception for many was that the city was not a safe place ? and called for more day and night Police patrols.

Some companies have hired security guards to escort female workers to their cars after 6 p.m. ? a situation he said was ?not acceptable in a country as wealthy as Bermuda?.

?Police patrols are there in the wee hours, but that?s a different situation. There are too many incidents where people are attacked and harassed,? said the man fighting it out with Lawson Mapp and Sonia Grant to be the new Mayor.

?I have been told that foot patrols are pass? and this worried me very much.?

He said crime was less likely to happen if there was more of a Police presence throughout the day and night, not just in the early hours.

Mr. Bluck, 65, pledged to meet with the Premier of the Governor on the issue, and said a meeting had to be above Commissioner George Jackson because he was not getting enough crime-fighting funds.

The Corporation has come under fire in some quarters for not being open enough. And Mr. Bluck, who lives in Somerset, said he wanted more public meetings.

?Over 700 people were at the recent waterfront development meeting,? said the businessman who ran an antiques and fine art business in Hamilton. ?I think it?s very important that our constituents get to say what they think.?

The former Alderman, who has been on the Corporation for eight years, also raised the prospect of regular MP-style constituency surgeries.

He also said the immediate emphasis should be placed on Hamilton attracting a new hotel, and not the much talked about harbour revamp.

?Bermuda has not had a new hotel in over 30 years. To have a new hotel would shows confidence in the future of the city and the country.?

Mayoral rival Sonia Grant has stated that she is opposed to moving the cargo docks out of Hamilton on financial grounds. And Mr. Bluck said he had an open mind on the issue. ?I?m happy to listen to any proposals,? he added.

Meanwhile, Mr. Bluck, a veteran of the local arts scene, said under his regime City Hall would continue to strongly support the arts.

?It is very important for a community?s ID,? he told The Royal Gazette. ?Artists very often feel the need for change before elected officials do.?

Voters in Hamilton go to the polls next Thursday.