Deputy mayor quits after inquiries about boyfriend

A deputy mayor in New Orleans has resigned following a television station's questions about her relationship with a man facing gun and drug charges.
   The city said Deputy Mayor Michelle Thomas resigned Friday for personal reasons.
   WWL-TV reported (http://bit.ly/VC7J63) that the man Thomas is engaged to, 44-year-old Gary Washington, has an extensive arrest record. Washington acknowledged facing criminal charges but told the station that he has not been convicted. He said the charges do not involve Thomas.
   Ryan Berni, a spokesman for Mayor Mitch Landrieu, said the city was not aware of Washington's legal issues until contacted by WWL.
   In a statement issued Friday, Landrieu thanked Thomas for service that included work to reform the taxi industry, improve youth recreation programs and enhance Mardi Gras cleanup operations.