Log In

Reset Password
BERMUDA | RSS PODCAST

Voters mull three-way choice

Historically, voter turnout in has been high in Southampton West Central, where residents solidly pledged their support to the former United Bermuda Party.There are 1,220 registered voters this year, 19 more than in 2007 when 954 votes were cast (79.52 percent), with only one ballot marked void.The UBP secured 57.38 percent of the vote; the PLP garnered 42.52 percent.The seat now held by independent candidate Charles Swan was won in 2007 by UBP candidate Jon Brunson.Mr Swan campaigned under the UBP banner and secured a by-election victory in 2008 with a 115-vote majority after Mr Brunson resigned.Scott Simmons, the PLP contender, considers the seat up for grabs for a first-time PLP win.He and OBA candidate Shawn Crockwell are running in Constituency 31 for the first time.Mr Simmons ran in Smith’s West against UBP candidate Trevor Moniz in 2003, and lost 481 to 372.Boundary changes moved 81 voters out of Constituency 31 to Southampton East Central; 36 voters were gained from the same district.But in a constituency where the median income is $112,337, higher than the national median average of $106,389, Bermuda’s economic woes will be a prominent issue.One lifelong resident who owns his own business, said his dissatisfaction with the PLP’s management of the public purse will send him back to the polls.The 60-year-old Homestead Lane man didn’t vote in the last two elections. This time he will mark the ballot for Mr Swan.“It makes no difference to me, I supported the UBP and they lost my support too. I know Charles Swan, who else would I vote for?”The man said he’s feeling the pinch like everyone else. “The hands of power needs to be changed. I voted for change in 1998, now I’m voting for change to get them out. I’m disgusted with this Government.“The last Premier’s arrogant attitude just topped it all off for me and the current Premier has done nothing besides follow the rest of the crew; I’m sick of the entire lot.“I don’t blame the state of the economy on this Government, it could have been on anybody’s watch. My problem is so much money has not been accounted for on this Government’s watch.”He said he has yet to see any of the candidates on his doorstep.“It doesn’t matter to me whether I see the other two candidates or not. I wouldn’t vote for Mr Crockwell. To me he just looks like one of those running after power any way they can get it, like Tourism Minister Wayne Furbert.“I boycotted the last two elections because I was disgusted with the PLP but I didn’t think the UBP was it either and neither is the OBA. An independent doesn’t have to vote along party lines, a three-man race will split the vote but my prediction is Charles Swan will win.”A nearby resident who has lived on Homestead Lane for nearly 40 years said she had initially planned to boycott the polls.“I believe I should go, even though whoever gets in is probably going to do the same nonsense again. The bottom line is if you don’t vote you don’t have a say.”The 82-year-old lifelong PLP supporter said she still supports labour but is fed up with the ruling party.“The training initiatives they’re implementing now should have been put in place in 1998. I’m disgusted by the millions spent on foreign consultants — taxpayer money shipped straight out of the Country.“I’m thankful for FutureCare but health insurance goes up every year, and that’s what my pension cheque pays for. I want to know what this Government expects me to live off.“I’m a homeowner, and I’m not impressed with the PLP’s track record on spending or the national debt. When I go to the polls this time it won’t be about party, it will be about the candidate most useful to me.”Another area resident who lives just off St Anne’s Road said he’s encouraged by the OBA. The 63-year-old said: “Difficult decisions and choices lie ahead for Bermuda and Shawn Crockwell will receive my vote.“Through my participation on polling day, I will express extreme disappointment with the overall record of the PLP, particularly with its inept handling of the economy and education.“This community cannot risk another season under PLP leadership.”

BY THE NUMBERS

2003 Election

Jon Brunson (UBP) 496 (57.4%)Michael Scott (PLP) 367 (42.5%)Total Votes Cast 863Registered Voters: 1,098

2007 ElectionJon Brunson (UBP) 548 (57.38%)Marc Bean (PLP) 406 (42.51%)Total Votes Cast: 950Registered Voters: 1,201

Current number of registered voters for Constituency 31: 1,220

RaceNational Southampton WCBlack 63% 56%White 25% 30%Other 3% 6%Mixed Race 7% 8%

Household Income National Southampton WC$36,000 or less 11% 7%$36,000 + 20% 19%$72,000 + 19% 19%$108,000 + 15% 14%$144,000 + 35% 42%

Constituency 31 median household income: $112, 337

National median household income: $106,389

AgeNational Southampton WC16 to 34 26% 26%35 to 44 16% 16%45 to 54 21% 20%55 to 64 17% 17%65 + 20% 20%