A letter setting out the accomplishments of St. George?s Mayor E. Michael Jones (pictured) during his two years and three months in office has been sent to residents living in the town.

With exactly one week remaining before the town goes to the polls to elect a new mayor, Mr. Jones has put together a two-page release outlining his thoughts on the challenges and decisions facing St. George?s during the coming years, as well as achievements made during his tenure.

Mr. Jones and former deputy mayor Mariea Caisey have announced their intention to run for mayor in the January 26 contest. Candidates wishing to contest the election must put forward their names by 1 p.m. today.

In his letter, which has gone out to around 400 residents, Mr. Jones said: ?The town must make some very important decisions in the next few years, not least of which is the possibility of widening the Town Cut and the introduction of Panamax ships in the next few years.

?I have purposely brought the election forward by almost one year as I believe it would be disruptive to have an election in the middle of these most important discussions.?

Outlining major projects completed during the first two years of his three-year term, he listed repairs and replacements to the Storekeepers House and damaged seawalls and dock at Ordnance Island in the wake of Hurricane Fabian.

The public restrooms in the Town Square and three rooms in the lower floor of the Town Hall have been refurbished, and there has been hurricane repairs to the Old Fire Station, Penno?s Wharf, and preparing Queen?s Wharehouse for tenancy by the St. George?s Foundation.

Mr. Jones tells voters: ?For some years I have personally campaigned to have double taxation abolished in our town. With the support of the Finance Ministry this was achieved shortly after I was elected as mayor.?

He also praises the work of the Corporation?s staff for ?good leadership, teamwork and prudent financial management.?

The mayor?s letter goes on to mention projects completed or underway that are unrelated to the Fabian aftermath, such as 20 new park benches around the town, new street signs and lighting, new pumps and excavation work on wells at the Turkey Hill pumping station and paving stone refurbishing of Broad Alley and Church Lane.

The Town Hall roof is to be replaced and strengthened and the upper floors renovated, and street improvement projects will include Rose Hill and Shinbone Alley.

Mr. Jones said: ?It is the opinion of the Corporation of St. George that the possible widening of the Town Cut, the introduction of Panamax ships, Waterfront development, management of the World Heritage site, sewage treatment, keeping our police station, the retention of the St. George?s Volunteer Fire Service and fire station and the building of a hotel in our town require a great deal of planning and vision.?

He said that, if re-elected, he would continue to seek public discussion and input before decisions affecting the town are made.