John Tramontozzi, Melrose's Longest-Serving Councilor, Won't Run

MELROSE, MA — Saying it's "time to pass the baton to the next generation of leaders," John Tramontozzi announced he will not seek re-election to the City Council this fall.

The Ward 1 city councilor said Tuesday evening he'll serve out his eighth term, finishing a 16-year run on the council.

"I do this at this early juncture in hopes that this will offer the opportunity for any and all Ward 1 residents to consider pursuing this opportunity, and to thoughtfully demonstrate the merit of their candidacy," Tramontozzi said. "There is tremendous potential in our city and among many in the council to take meaningful and definitive steps to protect our vulnerable of all ages, creeds, race, and ability, to honor the trust of citizenry and celebrate the wonderful resiliency and innovative spirit so distinctive to Melrose."

Running for another term would have meant another season of campaigning for Tramontozzi. Manjula Karamcheti had announced on Monday she was running for Tramontozzi's seat.

Tramontozzi turned back a challenger in Alanna Nelson in 2019.

Tramontozzi has been by far the longest-tenured member of the City Council; he's one of only two current councilors to have been called aldermen and the only one to have been elected more than once. If Shawn MacMaster is re-elected in Ward 5, he would become the longest-serving councilor, having been chosen by the then-Board of Aldermen to replace Gail Infurna when she took over for Mayor Rob Dolan in 2018.

"This past year has been unprecedented, and I am grateful to have served as the senior councilor where my experience could offer the Council great benefit and guidance," Tramontozzi said. "The people of our community have placed their trust in me and the council to represent their interests and hopes. This responsibility is an awesome one, one which impacts people’s lives and resources deeply and personally. I have never taken this responsibility lightly."

Mike Carraggi can be reached at mike.carraggi@patch.com. Follow him on Twitter @PatchCarraggi. Subscribe to Melrose Patch for free local news and alerts and like us on Facebook