A stable economy and affordable housing top the list of Warwick East voters' concerns.

In an informal poll taken at Lindo's Family Market on Middle Road, people -- or at least those willing to speak publicly -- each talked about high rents and the struggles working Bermudians face.

Dean Mello, who recently returned to the Island after living abroad for many years said it seemed people from other countries were "taking our land''.

"A stable economy is best for all,'' he said.

He added: "I'm a little disappointed at the race slinging back and forth. I had hoped we gotten past that. That's the one thing that bothers me most.'' Gloria Easton said she is "very concerned'' at the lack of affordable housing available to young people.

She explained that her son and his wife were having a difficult time finding a home.

"I don't mind putting them up,'' she said. "But adults will want their own place.'' Mrs. Easton said Bermuda's social problems would be alleviated if "more were done for young people''.

She added: "It's unfortunate the family structure has fallen down. Government should do something about that. That's what I'm concerned about.'' One woman had purely local concerns yesterday afternoon while on her coffee break.

According to Angela Arorrash, the winning party should do more tree cutting, especially on Morgan's Road.

She added: "They need to be trimmed. And they should get more lighting in the area. We Bermudians need to learn to come together. We are at each others throats too much.'' Local issues were also of concern to Blaine Creighton yesterday after driving in pouring rain about Warwick East's roads.

He said road improvements -- widening, drainage, and more busses -- were of great concern.

He added: "They should have more control over expats coming in here. It seems we have more concern about making money. They should care more about Bermudians themselves.'' And he said the penal system is in need of obvious reform, adding: "It's a revolving door. It has not been addressed enough.'' Zahra Jabbar said drugs and job availability were of concern to her in addition to problems within the education system.

"Yes, I think Cleansweep helped some, but they are still out there,'' she said. "Sometimes you feel like taking the law into your own hands.'' Ms Jabbar explained she was also concerned about job availability.

She added: "Look at how exempt companies can pull out and Bermudians can lose their jobs. I think we can do something about that.'' Peter Tucker said he did not have much to say -- he had been talking to Bermudian politicians for more than 30 years.

He added: "One issue is I would like to see people in this constituency vote party over personality. I don't mind which one they vote for but the only way to have an effect is to vote by party.'' Blaine Creighton Gloria Easton Zahra Jabbar Dean Mello POLITICS PTL