Independence crucial to West Bay candidate

Bernie Bush, standing as an
Independent in West Bay

Tuesday, August 17, 2004

Bernie Bush may only be 41 but he is a confident man. He believes the experiences gained through life as a public servant in government, with voluntary organisations, and more recently as a businessman, as well as his first election campaign, will help him serve the people of West Bay and address issues that concern them if he is elected to the Legislative Assembly.

He said: “My last campaign was a real eye-opener. There are many voters who were convinced politicians know who they had voted for, and were really afraid of harassment and intimidation as a result of their choice.

“This is something that really needs to be addressed now, especially in the West Bay area.”

Bernie Bush said that he is determined to fight his campaign on issues, and not negative personal politics, and has spent time with the people of West Bay finding out what concerns them.

He said: “I have been speaking to the people of West Bay and asking questions. They are concerned about the cost of living, young people are concerned about jobs, and people are also worried about who our Islands are being developed for - big business, or them? But above all they are concerned about education.”

“Education is a life long issue in our service economy: it’s not just about primary or high school and university, and government should be concerned with adult education and training as well.”

Mr Bush believes education has never been given the priority it deserves, and he notes government gives funding to certain projects but has been reluctant to find funding when it comes to society at large.

He added: “Millions of dollars are found for some projects, but when money is asked for a new school, it can’t be found.

“For years government has paid attention to the economic development of the country, but social development has been left behind.

“In the past it has been about putting band-aids on things when it comes to issues such as equality and education.

“But education should be a priority, as it is connected to other issues such as jobs and standards of living. These are the things I intend to focus on during my campaign.”

Mr Bush is also keen to emphasise his independent status, as he believes his discussions with various members of the two parties have lead to misunderstandings.

He added: “I am standing as an Independent. I don’t believe the two party system is fully developed, and people are not comfortable with it yet.

“I am happy however, to work with people who are members of either party, but I have done no back door deals.

“If I get elected, I will work with whoever I need to, to get the issues that the people of West Bay are concerned with addressed.

“Independents are very important to our system. They prevent any party gaining absolute power, and they create a check and a balance in the Assembly as they can move from government to opposition positions in order to help pass the things that are important to the people.”

He is also keen to attract young people, having seen a good deal of disenchantment among them.

As someone who has a good deal of experience working with youngsters, a sportsman and music fan, (and probably the only candidate with Usher on his cell phone ring tone), Mr Bush is probably well placed to attract younger voters.

He said: “I will be doing the leg work to attract young people to vote in West Bay. I have noticed too, how voters are become increasingly politically aware.

“In the past politicians have not given the people enough credit for that. I don’t intend to make that mistake when I’m campaigning among the young and the old.”

As an independent, Mr Bush does not have massive financial backing, but he is happy to keep it that way.

“I’m not going to have enormous campaign funds so I won’t be taking out expensive ads on TV and radio. But I don’t want money if it comes with expectations. I am an independent and I intend to stay that way.”

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