Alderman Peter Mortimer Not Running For Ward 6 Reelection

MELROSE, MA — Peter Mortimer, an integral member of the Board of Aldermen for nearly two decades, will not run for reelection in Ward 6 this year. He did not, however, rule out the possibility of running for an at-large seat on the new-look, new-name City Council in the fall.

"Maybe it's time," Mortimer told Patch Tuesday. "I think I'm gonna wrap it up. It was kind of my identity, and you miss it, but I've had a lot and we've had a lot of good accomplishments for the city. It might be time to let the new generation move in and do what they're gonna do."

Mortimer is the board's senior alderman, having started in 2001. He has served as president.

Mortimer is often one of the more vocal members at board meetings, offering insight, ensuring proper procedure is followed and addressing issues bluntly.

A return to the board isn't out of the question, Mortimer said. Three of the four at-large aldermen have announced intentions to run for mayor and the race for those seats may not come with the rigors of a campaign.

Shortly after Mortimer's announcement, Jen Grigoraitis said she is running for Ward 6 alderman. No one else has pulled papers as of Thursday night.