PEABODY — Mayor Michael Bonfanti, with tears in his eyes, announced tonight that he will not seek re-election when his fifth term as the city's top executive is up at the end of this year.
"You have heard me say that I view the position of mayor as a steward; a steward of the land,, entrusted with the position for a period of time to strive to nurture, cultivate and improve the land and make it better than it was, then pass it on to the next steward," Bonfanti said as he concluded his annual mid-term address at Wiggin Auditorium at City Hall.
"I have strived with all my heart, soul and being to be worthy of that honor. It is now time," he said, then pausing as tears welled in his eyes. "It is now time that I relinquish my stewardship of the city and consequently I will not seek re-election."
A collective sense of surprise then engulfed the couple hundred people in the hall, and everyone stood up to cheer as Bonfanti relinquished the microphone and went back to his seat at the head of the council table.
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