Deputy Mayor Glen Smith has resigned so he can run for the One Bermuda Alliance at the next general election.Mayor Charles Gosling announced Mr Smith’s resignation yesterday, saying the Corporation of Hamilton must remain apolitical.Mr Smith has recently been in the news calling for action against vagrancy problems in the City, and was credited with helping to bring more open government to the Corporation.Mr Gosling said in a statement yesterday: “Deputy Mayor Alderman Glen Smith met with me in the Mayor’s Parlour at City Hall and presented his letter of resignation with effect immediately. I reluctantly accepted his letter.“Mr Smith has been selected as a candidate for the One Bermuda Alliance in the upcoming general election. Glen shares the view of the entire Council that municipal politics must remain apolitical.“To ensure the City of Hamilton is seen in this light, individually, we may support a particular party but none of us will publicly campaign on the behalf of, or run for, that party; a practice we would like to continue.“Which is why, prior to any official announcement, Glen has taken this particular stance.“Glen, during his time on the Council, has been one of the leaders in our move towards open government, the accountability of Members, standards of service and dealing with the important issues within his area of responsibility as the chairman of the Infrastructure Committee, which comprised the previous Docks, Streets and Sanitation Committees.“He has raised awareness of the increased vagrancy in Hamilton, worked hard to bring together Government departments and helping agencies to address this national issue. We will continue this work.“On behalf of the Council, I wish Glen Smith continued success. His guidance, energy and focus will be missed.”Councillor Marshall Minors will become chairman of the Infrastructure Committee for the remaining three months of the current term.Secretary to the City of Hamilton Edward Benevides stated: “In accordance with the law, the Parliamentary Registrar has been formally informed about Mr Glen Smith’s resignation.“We are obligated by the new changes to the Municipalities’ Act to fill this vacant position within a two-month period, regardless of when the next election will be held.“The City of Hamilton, working with the Parliamentary Registrar, will be making further announcements in due course.”