One way of looking at general elections is to imagine that voters are bus passengers waiting for the right bus to come along in order to reach their desired destination.Most of us have heard of people catching the wrong bus, through not checking the destination sign properly, resulting in being stranded while waiting for the right bus.That’s an inconvenience, but in the world of politics making such a correction is not so simple.In politics, the different buses are the political parties, and the destinations are the desires of the voters a stronger economy, jobs, less crime, better education and so forth. So the PLP and the OBA buses will be vying for the same passengers. While the destinations may be the same, the routes could be very different, and the passenger also has to weigh the possibility that the bus won’t make it there if the route turns out to be wrong or a dead end.There will probably be a bus for independents, but there is some question of whether it will have enough fuel to make the run. Many people have already decided which bus they intend catching, while others are sceptical about route and destination changes that could occur once the bus leaves the stop.Passengers do not have the luxury looking under the hood of the bus before boarding, and voters often have to take electoral promises on trust as well.But the political bus engine can only run on trust, transparency and accountability. In the world of politics these qualities are not easy to find.Bermuda is confronted with enormous challenges to regain its moral and economic footing in the face of global financial hardship. Very careful consideration must be given to every effort to achieve this. The biggest problem could be trying to get politicians to understand that the people are tired of a wheelbarrow of promises, without enough action to fulfill them.Everyone knows that tourism is vital to our recovery, and bold moves are needed to recharge this limping industry. While gaming and casinos might be considered as holding lucrative possibilities for the industry and Bermuda, unless the utmost care is given to how this is implemented, we could be setting the stage for something we might later regret.Those who have reservations about gaming and casinos in Bermuda and how it could affect our way of life, should not be condemned or ridiculed for their concerns, or accused of trying to hold Bermuda back. These people have every right to express themselves in the interest of doing what is best for our Island.Hopefully before any final decision is reached on that subject, nothing will be left hidden in the process, which often happens when it comes to political matters concerning the people. It is no secret that politicians are seldom trusted, especially when they are perceived as following a party doctrine, even when they disagree with it.Bermuda needs strong leadership in tackling a wide range of issues including crime, the effects of illegal drug activity, healthcare, joblessness and the crumbling family value structure, that weakens any society. We must support positive legislative moves such as tighter laws to make our roads safer by making cell phone use while operating a vehicle an offence. This should not just be something on the books. Our island home is small and no effort should be spared in trying to make it safer for Bermudians and our visitors. There is a great deal to be done in many areas of community life and time is not on our side.The general election will come and go, and Bermuda and its problems will still be here. One thing is certain. Without trust, transparency and accountability, our future will be a huge question mark.