Senator David Burt was yesterday rolled out as the ruling party’s election candidate for district 18 or Pembroke West Central.If successful in his bid to represent the district, Sen Burt will replace Neletha Butterfield in the House of Assembly.At an Alaska Hall press conference, Premier Paula Cox said that Ms Butterfield, who was absent, remained a valued member of the party.The Premier described Sen Burt as someone who “has demonstrated he is not afraid of hard work” and “one who is young, gifted and qualified”.Sen Burt promised to “be a true representative, not just for the ideals of the Progressive Labour Party but for the betterment of Bermuda”.He said he had learned from canvassing that the best ideas often came from the people. “We must be present to listen to the concerns of our constituents.“As the MP for this area I will make time to canvass, I’ll make time for meetings, time for your phone calls and I’ll respond to your e-mails. Because that is the service and respect that you deserve.“In the PLP we do not believe there is anything as a safe seat, and our team will work to earn the trust of each voter and hopefully their support.”He said: “No matter where you stand politically, I vow to represent your interests and be a constant presence in the constituency.”It took three rounds of voting for Senator Burt to win the branch nomination, in the contest against the incumbent Ms Butterfield.Sen Burt said that the voters faced a choice between “two competing visions of the future of our island home”.“Voters will choose between: A party that has led Bermuda through 13 years of progress for all of our people, or a party short on experience, and long on recycled ideas from a past era.“A party that draws on 49 years of experience in fighting for the people of this country and bringing progress to all of our citizens, or a repackaged party unsure of its direction and its purpose.”He added that the voters will return the Progressive Labour Party to government: “Because we are the only party with a leader experienced in local business, international business, and who understands the global economy of which Bermuda is a part.“A leader who is determined to make sure that Bermudians are always kept in the picture and play their rightful role in the development of our island home.“They will choose the PLP because this is the only party that has the interest people at heart. The Progressive Labour Party is deeply invested in making sure that ALL of Bermuda succeeds, whether it be Front Street, or right outside on Angle Street.”He said that his role “will be to speak up for my generation and examine issues with a progressive view towards a great future for Bermuda”.Sen Burt said his constituents were concerned mainly about employment and housing.“A lot of people recognise the work that the government has done and continues to do. And it is our job to let the people know what is available and know that the government is there to help them.”Asked whether he will be working with Ms Butterfield, he said: “Absolutely, I think that is important and as the Chairman has said on many occasions, she is still the Member of Parliament for that constituency.“So we will continue to work together in that area and we’ll continue to go forward. I’m a young person and I have a lot to learn.”Asked later why she had not attended the media event, Ms Butterfield said: “I had a class to teach. I have returned to CARE to teach computers and the GED programme.”Ms Butterfield said she had not given much thought to Sen Burt’s candidacy. “But I do thank the PLP for giving me the opportunity to serve in both the Senate and the House,” she added.Nor did she have any advice for Sen Burt. “I think that he knows what he has to do and has observed how things go in the political arena.”She said: “It has been an honour to serve but I give special thanks to those who supported me throughout my political career especially those 69.2 percent who supported me in the last election.“I trust I served them well and I look forward to continuing my involvement in the community and any plans that God has for me to do in his vineyard.”