LIFE, LIBERTY AND THE PURSUIT OF MAYORALTY — In a state regularly ragged on for its lack of electoral competition, this year’s mayoral contests are shaping up to be an exception. Five of the 35 mayors up for reelection this year are stepping down or have already left, opening up corner offices for the first time in years — if not decades — from Pittsfield to Marlborough to Haverhill. And more could follow as mayors from Methuen to New Bedford mull their options. The competition isn't limited to open seats. At least eight mayors have already drawn challengers, putting incumbents on defense from Brockton to Springfield. Covid-19 fatigue contributed to nearly a fifth of the state’s mayors leaving office in 2021. This year's departures are different. Jim Fiorentini, the mayor of Haverhill since 2004, told supporters that at 76, he wants to “leave with enough health left to enjoy some life.” Melrose Mayor Paul Brodeur, who’s been in public office since 2002, plans to fill his soon-to-be free time with family and friends. After 12 years as mayor and 18 on the City Council, Marlborough Mayor Arthur Vigeant said he wants to see more of his five grandkids. And Pittsfield Mayor Linda Tyer wants to travel and spend more time with her aging parents. “There's always a moment in time when new leadership could be really beneficial to the community, and I feel like that's where we are right now,” Tyer told Playbook. Revere Mayor Brian Arrigo had already decided not to seek a third term when he stepped down last month to run the state Department of Conservation and Recreation. Four city councilors are now vying to succeed him, a contest that could end with former Mayor Dan Rizzo returning to the job Arrigo knocked him out of eight years ago. Another particularly fraught race is shaping up in Springfield, where two city councilors and a state representative are among those lining up to take on the city’s longest-serving mayor: Domenic Sarno. Sarno is no stranger to drawing and dispatching opponents — he toppled an incumbent to win the seat in the first place. And his challengers, long critical of his handling of police oversight in the city, have reasons to want him gone. But it’s still unusual for an incumbent — particularly one as politically formidable as Sarno — to have not one but three prominent challengers. In this case, state Rep. Orlando Ramos and City Councilors Justin Hurst and Jesse Lederman, who are all ostensibly coming at the more centrist Democrat from the left. Sarno plans to launch his reelection campaign on May 17, according to an event invitation reviewed by Playbook. He dropped $19,000 last month on yard signs and bumper stickers in preparation, per his latest campaign finance filing. Challengers have also put incumbents on notice in cities including Braintree, Greenfield, Malden, Medford, Woburn and Waltham. And in Brockton, Mayor Robert Sullivan is running against youth mentor John C. Williams and former GOP congressional candidate Hamilton Rodrigues. "It would probably be easy for me to say 'nope, I'm gonna call it a day.’ You know, I came in, and then six weeks later we were dealing with a pandemic,” Sullivan told Playbook. “I have a lot of friends that I've met, mayors, they've served and then they've decided to go in a different direction.” But Sullivan isn’t ready to call it quits. “To be able to make a difference in people’s lives is why I run,” he said. GOOD FRIDAY MORNING, MASSACHUSETTS. Here are two things to watch as mayor’s races continue taking shape: — The mayors who haven’t said anything yet. Quincy’s Thomas Koch and Taunton’s Shaunna O’Connell, for instance, both plan on running again but haven’t made it official, per two people familiar with their plans. But Weymouth Mayor Bob Hedlund hasn't decided yet, his chief of staff said. And New Bedford’s Jon Mitchell, who’s been floated for higher office before, has been playing curiously coy. — The Healey-Driscoll factor. When the state’s governing team includes a former mayor, it’s a safe bet that the two top executives will play in some municipal races. They’re already starting to — backing Medford Mayor Breanna Lungo-Koehn for reelection and Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll’s former chief of staff, Dominick Pangallo, in the upcoming special election for Salem mayor. TODAY — Gov. Maura Healey and Driscoll participate in the first meeting of the Economic Development Planning Council at 2:30 p.m. at the State House. Driscoll administers the oath of office to Framingham State University’s new president at 10 a.m. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu attends a Roxbury coffee hour at 9:30 a.m. AG Andrea Campbell is on GBH’s “Boston Public Radio” at 1 p.m. and speaks at the Massachusetts Black Lawyers Association’s gala at 6:30 p.m. in Boston. THIS WEEKEND — Driscoll, Secretary of State Bill Galvin and Auditor Diana DiZoglio attend the 3T & 2C annual Democratic Breakfast at 9 a.m. Saturday at Nicholson Hall in Newburyport. Former Labor Secretary Marty Walsh receives an honorary degree from Dean College at 11 a.m. Saturday. SUNDAY SHOWS — MassDems Chair Steve Kerrigan is on WBZ’s “Keller @ Large” at 8:30 a.m. Sunday. Healey is on WCVB’s “On the Record” at 11 a.m. Sunday. Tips? Scoops? Running for mayor? Email us: lkashinsky@politico.com, sgardner@politico.com and kgarrity@politico.com.
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