President Of Board Jen Lemmerman Not Running For Reelection

MELROSE, MA — President of the Board of Aldermen Jen Lemmerman will not run for reelection this fall. Lemmerman, the Ward 2 Alderman in her third term, called it a "difficult decision" in announcing it on Facebook Saturday.

Lemmerman said she hopes to spend more time with her family. Read Lemmerman's full post below.

Lemmerman's impact will be felt long after she steps away. She twice spearheaded the charge to rid Melrose of the Board of Aldermen title in favor of City Council - this year she succeeded. The measure is making its way through the state legislature. Lemmerman also helped create the Women's Commission.

"During my time on the Board, I have been given so many opportunities to grow – in my professional experiences and in my circle of community and friends," Lemmerman said. "I am proud of the work we have done in Melrose over these years and grateful for all it has taught me. "

Lemmerman's decision is yet another change in a Board of Aldermen - or City Council, by that time - that could look unrecognizable next year.

The only aldermen who have announced they are running for reelection are Ward 1 Alderman John Tramontozzi, Ward 4 Alderman Robert Boisselle, Ward 5 Alderman Shawn MacMaster and Alderman-At-Large Kate Lipper-Garabedian.

Three of the At-Large Aldermen - Manisha Bewtra, Monica Medeiros and Mike Zwirko - are running for mayor. Zwirko has said he will not run for his current seat should he not move on in the preliminary, and it would have to be a quick turnaround for Bewtra or Medeiros due to filing deadlines.

Aldermen Peter Mortimer, Scott Forbes, Frank Wright and Lemmerman have announced they are not running for reelection.