1 Melrose City Councilor Didn't Vote For A President — Here's Why

MELROSE, MA — There were lots of smiles during Monday night's organizational meeting of the new City Council. There was also a bit of an awkward moment that was tough to ignore.

It occurred during a voice vote for City Council president for 2020. Ward 6 Councilor Jen Grigoraitis was the only nominee, so the vote was a foregone conclusion. One by one, councilors named Grigoraitis, until it got to Ward 1 Councilor John Tramontozzi.

Invoking Rule 48 of the Rules and Orders of the Melrose City Council, Tramontozzi declined to vote.

Grigoraitis was named president via a 10-0 vote, but Tramontozzi's decision begged the question: Why?

Tramontozzi, by far the longest-serving member on the new-look Council, and Grigoraitis, one of eight newcomers, were the only nominees for president at December's non-binding caucus. Grigoraitis had the votes of all her colleagues save for Tramontozzi and Ward 5 Councilor Shawn MacMaster.

But Monday's decision wasn't sour grapes, Tramontozzi said.

"I look forward to continuing to serve our amazing community working together with this new team of civic leaders on the Melrose City Council," he told Patch in an email. "However, in good conscience and in principle, I could not place a vote for the incoming president. It takes time, understanding, patience, relationships and experience to lead the council. Experience is a fundamental part of leadership that a new member of the Council simply does not have!

"With a new Mayor and City Administration, we are in a period of transition. More than ever there is a need to rely on experienced leadership. It is my belief that this gap will pose unnecessary challenges. That said, we will ultimately face those challenges together as a Council and Ms. Grigoraitis will have my full support moving forward as she assumes her new role."

Grigoraitis wouldn't say whether she knew Tramontozzi's decision was coming, but she respected his right to it.

"Everyone is entitled to vote their conscience, and to do what they feel is best for their constituents and the City," she told Patch in an email. "I’m so proud to work with the entire Council, and I’m grateful for the trust placed in my leadership by my fellow Councilors. I have absolutely no doubt that we all will work together to move Melrose forward."

The first regular meeting of the new City Council is Tuesday, Jan. 21.