Beverly City Councilor John Frates To Vacate Ward 6 Seat

BEVERLY, MA — The Beverly City Council will be looking to fill the Ward 6 seat of John Frates after Frates announced at the end of Monday night's meeting that he is resigning his seat effective Dec. 31 due to a move across the city.

Frates, the father of ALS Ice Bucket Challenge founder Pete Frates — who died from the progressive neurodegenerative disease after a celebrated and courageous battle last December — told the council that the timing was right for him and his wife, Nancy, to move from the Ward 6 Centerville part of the city to the Ward 2 Goat Hill part of the city.

"We didn't come to this decision lightly," he said. "But it was overwhelming with the climate right now, and the real estate market being so hot, not to make the move. We've gone through so many changes recently. I think this was another one of life's moments that needs to be addressed."

The Beverly City Council charter states that a ward councilor must resign the seat by year's end if that councilor moves out of the ward. Because Frates had no opponent in his last election, the council is seeking applications from those interested in serving in the seat until the next regular election cycle.

The appointed candidate will not be designated a "Candidate for Re-election" if that person decides to run for the seat in the next election cycle.

"The City Council will miss John's calming, nonpartisan presence," City Council President Paul Guanci said in a message on social media. "Thankful for working alongside of this incredible man the last seven years."

Frates said he decided to run for the Beverly City Council in 2012 as a way to give back to the city that supported his family through his son's ALS diagnosis and ensuing very public fight against the disease.

"After my son, Pete's, diagnosis in 2012 we had the most incredible, amazing support and outreach from this city and this community," Frates said Monday night. "And, in return, I decided to run for office as a small way, in my part, to serve the community that's given so much to us — just give back a little bit.

"It has not disappointed."

"Thank you for always being a gentleman and always making us laugh Councilor Frates," City Clerk Lisa Kent posted on her office's official Facebook page. "We will miss you on the Council but know you will stay in touch. Good luck in the next chapter!"

Ward 2 Councilor Estelle Rand thanked Frates for his support to new members of the council and his ability to keep any arguments friendly and productive.

"I want to say thank you for being such an easy person to work with, and bringing a handshake to our meetings, and greeting each councilor at the beginning of each meeting with a lightheartedness," she said. "It has been a pleasure serving with you. I have enjoyed the moments even when we've disagreed. It means a lot that we can disagree and we can still be friends."

"It's a nice story," Frates said, reflecting on the 32 years since he first became an alderman-at-large in Beverly. "Happens all the time. Time marches on for all of us."

Those interested in being considered for the seat are asked to contact Kent at lkent@beverlyma.gov.