Framingham Councilor Stefanini Running In 2021, But Not For Mayor

FRAMINGHAM, MA — District 8 City Councilor John Stefanini will run for a second term in 2021, he announced Wednesday night, despite encouragement for him to run for mayor.

Stefanini, who was first elected in 2019, is the second Councilor to announce 2021 plans before candidates are allowed to begin filing for reelection in June. District 7 Councilor Margareth Shepard said earlier this month she won't seek reelection.

In a statement Wednesday, Stefanini said he received "encouragement from so many" to run for mayor in 2021.

"I have no intention to run for mayor," he said. "I wish I could put my skills and energy to work full-time for the community I love, but owing to my leadership role in becoming a city, I do not believe I am the correct person at this time."

Stefanini was seen as a possible 2021 challenger to incumbent Mayor Yvonne Spicer. He faced her in 2017 in Framingham's first mayoral race. Before that race, Stefanini served as a town selectman and for five terms as a state representative.

Former city councilor Charlie Sisitsky is so far the only candidate to have announced a bid against Spicer this year.

Stefanini, 57, has spent his first term on Council as chair of the Ordinance and Rules subcommittee, which he has used to pass several pieces of legislation: an ordinance governing the Community Preservation Act — which Spicer attempted to veto over a clause giving City Council power to select some members — a recent law governing public records and a law formalizing neighborhood groups. He also sought to revive a board that would oversee amenities like hiking and biking trails.

"We have much more to do to fully implement the promises of our Charter: for a more accessible, transparent, efficient, representative and sustainable government," his statement said. "I have not given up, and neither should you. I remain hopeful new leaders will emerge, ready to roll up their sleeves and collaboratively work to implement these stalled promises."

The Framingham City Clerk will begin allowing candidates — incumbents and challengers — to pick up filing papers beginning June 1. The deadline to turn in required signatures is July 29.

The mayor, all School Committee members and all Council seats except At-Large are up for election in 2021.