Two members of the Corporation of St. George threw their hats into the ring yesterday in a race to become mayor of the old town.

Alderman Ross Smith and Town Crier E. Michael Jones declared their nominations, while former mayor Henry Hayward announced he would not run because he does not have the time.

The new mayor will play a crucial role in leading the old capital as it bids for World Heritage Status, which could be an enormous tourist boon.

Nominations close on October 4 for the three-year position and the election to replace current mayor Lois Perinchief will be held on October 11.

Mr. Jones, a Corporation councillor, said he intends to continue as Town Crier even if he is elected mayor.

He said he had spoken to other mayors in England who also hold the Town Crier's post and they encountered no problems.

Speaking to The Royal Gazette yesterday, both Mr. Jones and Mr. Smith pledged to tackle the problem of some residents paying both the Corporation and Government for services such as water and trash collection.

Mr. Jones said he has been talking to business people and the cruise lines about getting a ship from Dockyard to stay overnight in St. George's on a Friday, generating more business for the town.

He wants more townsfolk to get involved in the running of the town through widespread consultation and more frequent public meetings.

He said: "St. George's is on the verge of a really great opportunity with the potential to have World Heritage Status.

"As Town Crier, a person who is born in St. George's, who lives here and works here, it will be a wonderful opportunity to oversee the great opportunity we have to formulate a relationship with Government, the Corporation, the St. George's Foundation and the wider world.

"Through my career in tourism, I have the skills, the time and the ability to serve the Corporation.'' Taxes, tourism at issue in St. George's mayoral race "In terms of double taxation, I have a plan in place to redirect funds so that we are not paying tax on these amenities.

"My 25 years in the tourism industry has given me a great deal of skills to deal with the anticipated influx of visitors if we get World Heritage Status.

"St. George's is the jewel in the Island but there should be more activities for visitors and locals from a heritage point of view, as well as fun and sports.'' Mr. Smith said: "I bring to the table the widest, most diversified cross-section of the population who will get their needs addressed rather than just the loudest mouthed or those with most contacts. I don't have any personal gain.

"A broad cross-section of the voting population have suggested I should run.

A fair selection of my fellow Corporation members have suggested likewise and we have started something that should be brought to completion.

"Looking at the tax base, it is not fair. I would like to see changes so that people are charged line by line for the services they actually get.

"We need to have a more dependable deeper revenue source and need to have ongoing discussions with Government to get out of the situation where we are always strapped for cash.

"We are developing a plan for long-term parking and we should be developing a more pedestrian approach to the town.

"We need a development plan for the next 10 to 15 years. They use development plans for Dockyard and Hamilton but we don't have one for St. George's.

"This is the oldest English-speaking town in the Western hemisphere and we need to realise what quality of life we have here and to maintain it.'' Photos by Nigel Richardson and Arthur Bean East End electioneering: Ross Smith (L) and E. Michael Jones yesterday confirmed they will be standing to replace Lois Perinchief as mayor of the town of St. George.