Serious concerns about the current running of the Corporation of Hamilton were yesterday expressed by a former member of the municipality now in a bid to return to office.

According to Graeme Outerbridge, the Corporation needs to return to "the solid fundamentals of good governance" which once steered its policies and resolutions forward.

Now vying for one of three vacant common councillor seats at City Hall, Mr. Outerbridge feels his past experience leaves him well placed to deal with those obstacles preventing the municipality from adequately serving the public.

"The most important immediate task is to get the Corporation back to the solid fundamentals of good governance," he insisted. "This means setting policy and moving resolutions properly and keeping members on track regarding procedures and conduct that have been well thought out through the long history of the Corporation of Hamilton.

"I'm certain (the public shares) my serious concerns about how the Corporation of Hamilton is being run and the confusion and anxiety this is causing for city residents and business owners. Hamilton deserves a well-run administration and vastly improved safety and security.

"Although this particular administration has only nine months left until all elected posts are up for re-election, there are critical issues that must be dealt with in the near-term future."

Mr. Outerbridge resigned from the Corporation in May following allegations by former Deputy Mayor Bill Black that he was not a bona fide tenant of the city and therefore ineligible to serve. He had held the seat since 2006.

Voters go to the polls Monday. Eight nominees are in contention ¿ councillors Kathryn Gibbons and Pamela Ferreira are vying to become alderman, while Mr. Outerbridge joins Chamber of Commerce executive vice-president Diane Gordon, businessman Charles Gosling, Bermuda Hotel Association CEO John Harvey, Ann Kast and Glenn Smith in the fight for three vacant common councillor seats.

According to Mr. Outerbridge, should he be returned to office, voters can be assured he will help the Corporation:

l Give North Hamilton support and real attention

l Update and improve the Municipalities Act

l Actively pursue good governance

l Show good leadership

l Find and sign a dedicated cruise ship for Hamilton

l Vastly improve security and safety

l Ensure proper spending of taxpayers' money

l Establish good working relations with the Bermuda Government

l Plan the city's future with the help of its residents and voters

l Increase public art and green spaces

l Improve the working conditions of Corporation staff

"I have worked hard with the majority of members to conclude the Par la Ville hotel agreement and to move the strategic planning of the waterfront redevelopment forward," he continued.

"On simpler matters I have worked to improve the city parks and (advanced) restoration work on the Victoria Bandstand. Public art is an area that I am most interested in and I was tasked to help guide the planning and commissioning of a sculpture by Chesley Trott to commemorate the Theatre Boycott, plus draft a budget and plan for a sculpture to commemorate the 'Middle Passage' for Barrs Bay Park.

"Many of my fellow Bermudians know about my international work as a photographer but I have been involved in local politics stretching back a considerable length of time. I have served on the Planning Board, the Public Works Board and the Parks Commission. I am certain that I have much more to offer to the city with (voters') support."

Partnerships are essential for any change to take place, Mr. Outerbridge stressed.

"It is vital that the Corporation work much closer with all its constituents, Government and the Chamber of Commerce," he stated. "The national input should be sought, in planning and building the new waterfront redevelopment. Security is a real concern for city residents and visitors and the Corporation must forge a plan for better policing coverage of our streets, parking facilities and recreational areas.

"The Bermuda Government has stated clearly in this year's Throne Speech their desire to comprehensively update and review the Municipalities Act 1923.

"Sadly, and to the Corporation's detriment, no formal contact with the Bermuda Government has been made regarding the redrafting and updating the 1923 Act. While I was a sitting member it was my belief that the Corporation should build a joint team with Government to proceed with updating and amending and improving the existing Act."