New Title, Familiar Name For First City Council President

MELROSE, MA — Scott Forbes was unanimously voted City Council president Monday night at the Council's first meeting since changing from the Board of Aldermen. Forbes, who will not run for re-election, will be at the helm until an almost entirely new Council comes in in January.

Forbes is the first president elected to the City Council. Councilor Peter Mortimer served as president pro-temp after the recent departure of President of the Board Jen Lemmerman. In what Mortimer noted was a twist of irony, Lemmerman, who is the one who spearheaded the change from aldermen to councilors, is the last alderman to not become a councilor.

For Forbes, it's more than a title. His father, Bill Forbes, was a five-term aldermen who also served as president. A recess was called so Forbes could enjoy the moment with his family.

"There is a lot we can accomplish from now until the end of the calendar year, as we welcome a new administration and file orders that can move the dial forward as a community," Forbes told Patch. "I'm excited to be a part of the process and to serve as City Council President. "