Longtime Taunton City Councilor Jeff Postell not running for re-election. What he said
Taunton City Councilor Jeff Postell is not running for re-election, he announced in a Facebook post — opening up a seat on the council for a newcomer.
"After much reflection, it is with a deep sense of gratitude and humility that I write to inform you that I will not be seeking re-election for City Council in the upcoming election," Postell wrote. "After serving for eight years and being elected, and re-elected 3 times, I feel that the time has come for me to step aside and allow new leadership to carry us forward."
Postell is the deputy chief for the Abington Police Department.
Postell's announcement comes as 11 people have pulled papers indicating a desire to run for City Council so far this election cycle, including five people who aren't currently on the City Council.
Here's what we know about Postell's decision not to seek election and about the upcoming election.
Reflecting on his time on the Council, Postell wrote that he decided to seek election after moving to Taunton.
"Shortly after moving to Taunton, I knew I wanted to be more than just a resident of this wonderful city. I wanted to contribute to its growth and success by utilizing my life and public safety experiences to make a difference," he wrote.
"Throughout my time on the City Council, we have made meaningful progress, whether in advocating for better infrastructure, strengthening our local economy, supporting our schools, or ensuring public safety," Postell added. "But what I've found most rewarding is the trust and collaboration we've built between the Council and the residents of Taunton. That partnership is what has allowed us to achieve so much together."
"After much thought, I know that it's time for me to make room for new leadership — fresh ideas, new energy, and new voices who will continue to move Taunton forward," he wrote. "Our city deserves that, and I am confident that we will continue to grow and thrive in the years ahead."
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Mayor Shaunna O'Connell wrote in a statement that she has known Postell personally for many years and is "blessed with his friendship."
"He has always been a person of integrity and conviction," O'Connell wrote. "Even before Jeff was elected to the City Council, he was a fierce advocate for our city and public safety. His devotion to public safety helped make the public safety building a reality. For decades to come, Tauntonians will have Jeff Postell to thank for his advocation of our new complex helping our first responders."
Councilor Chris Coute wrote in an email that "It's been an honor to serve alongside Jeff" and said that "his dedication to our community and tireless work for the people of the great City of Taunton will leave a lasting legacy. I wish him all the best in his next chapter."
"Jeff's deep devotion to our city will be missed on the council," Councilor Larry Quintal said in a statement. "I enjoyed working with him on many projects to improve Taunton. He leaves behind a strong legacy of strengthening public safety for our community."
Councilor David Pottier said that he had "never served on City Council with anyone with more passion for our community."
"His decades of experience in leadership and law enforcement has been invaluable in helping advance our City in so many ways," Pottier added. "He will certainly be missed but know he will still be active in our great City."
Councilor John McCaul said that he "enjoyed working with Jeff" and that "he does his homework on the issues and always has been there for his constituents."
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Eleven candidates have pulled nomination papers indicating a desire to run for city councilor so far. To appear on the ballot, candidates must obtain at least 25 certified signatures and return the nomination papers by Aug. 5.
The eleven candidates are:
Robert Anderson
David Chaves
Phillip Duarte, a current city councilor
William Fitzgerald
Evan Francis
Phillip Gaspar
Jean Marcoux
Scott Martin, a current city councilor
John McCaul, a current city councilor
David Pottier, a current city councilor
Barry Sanders, a current city councilor
The city election will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 4 for mayor, City Council, School Committee, Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, and Taunton Municipal Lighting Plant commissioners.
There could be a preliminary election prior to the general election if the number of candidates for any office exceeds twice as many as the number of seats, plus one. For example, the trigger for a preliminary election for the nine-member City Council is 19 candidates.
This article originally appeared on The Taunton Daily Gazette: Taunton City Councilor Jeff Postell not running for re-election. Who is?
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