A rapid return to the Corporation of St. George for former Mayor E. Michael Jones could be achieved if he chooses to enter the postponed race to fill the final vacant common councillor seat in February.

But as he re-adjusts to no longer being the man at the helm, having served 15 years with the Corporation, Mr. Jones would not be drawn on whether he will seek to immediately bounce back having been defeated by three votes in a head-to-head election with Mariea Caisey last Thursday.

Because of a unique set of circumstances, there is still a window of opportunity for him to remain a serving member of the Corporation should he decide to enter the race for the last vacant common councillor seat to be decided by election on February 16 if more than one candidate steps forward by the closing date for nominations on February 9.

But other options may present themselves now that he is no longer tied to the Town Hall, said Mr. Jones.

?I?m keeping my cards close to my chest,? said the man who was was mayor for two years and three months before calling an early election on January 26.

He still believes the town needs to step up its ?economic viability? and recognises there will always be people who want to leave things as they are.

Mr. Jones, who personally hand-delivered his election letters, said he would like to thank everyone who had given him support and added: ?I will be around and I will continue to serve in the community.

?I?m looking forward to the future. My steps since Thursday night have been much lighter and I do not feel the burden that comes with the office (of mayor).?

He said that since the election he had taken many calls from people extending their thoughts and sympathies. He said: ?I wish that many of these people would have called before the election!?

But he remains philosophical about his defeat, saying: ?The people of St. George have asked for someone else to represent them. I?m going to step aside and make new plans.

?I encourage the Corporation staff to support the new Mayor and to work together with her and the team and I?m sure they will and be able to take care of the town?s business.?

New Mayor Ms Caisey, who won by 154 votes to 151, said on Friday that she was looking forward to meeting Corporation staff and would be preparing her thoughts on the way ahead for St. George over the coming days.