Mayoral candidate E. Michael Jones will step down from his position as St.

George's Town Crier on October 4.

Mr. Jones, who has announced his intention to run for the top post at the Corporation of St. George's election on October 11, said yesterday he would turn in his bell to respond to some of his constituents' wishes.

He said: "A few of my constituents have indicated that they do not want me to try and be the Town Crier and the Mayor of St. George's.

"I would like to let the voting public in St. George's know that I will resign from being the Town Crier effective October 4 which is nomination day for the election.'' Mr. Jones, who had served as a Senior Councillor for the Corporation and fulfilled his duties as the Town Crier over recent years, noted: "One of my platforms is to be very aware of what the residents and business community in the town are saying.

"I intend to start out by doing just that -- listening to the voting public and attempting to carry out their wishes.

"I intend to have the residents and business community intimately involved in the decision-making process. More details about this will be forthcoming shortly.'' The decision to give up his role was not easy for Mr. Jones, who has won international acclaim in town-crying competitions around the world.

"I will be very sad if I am elected and will have to give up the post of Town Crier,'' he said.

"I feel I have made a significant contribution locally for residents and visitors alike,'' Mr. Jones said.

"I think Bermuda's loss will be significant. "Wearing the Town Crier's hat has allowed me to make a meaningful contribution overseas for Bermuda. The international recognition has been second to none during the competitions I have attended.'' Mr. Jones said: "I do not think Bermudians are aware that I have done some significant things over the past three years. Next year I was hoping to top all that by being the world champion.

"I truly believe it will be Bermuda's and St. George's loss should I step down. However, all of us are replaceable and I am sure that we will find someone who can carry on and even do better than I have done in representing Bermuda and St. George's as its Town Crier.'' Mr. Jones faces competition from former Mayor Henry Hayward and Corporation Alderman Ross Smith in the mayoral race. Current Mayor Lois Perinchief is stepping down after four years of service in the top post and 30-plus years on the Corporation.

One of the more significant responsibilities for the post will be to oversee the town's bid to become a UNESCO World Heritage site and, if it is successful, oversee its early days.

Meanwhile Mr. Smith and Mr. Jones will be seeking to tackle the issue of double taxation for East End residents.

People living within the boundaries of the Corporation pay tax to Government like the rest of the Island's residents but also pay the Corporation more tax to cover their garbage collection and other services.