President Jen Lemmerman Stepping Down From Board

MELROSE, MA — The President of the Board of Aldermen is stepping down less than seven weeks before the city elections.

Jen Lemmerman's last Board meeting will be Monday. The three-term Ward 2 Alderman, who last week gave birth, is moving with her family out of Melrose.

"Our need for a larger home became more urgent and unfortunately we ultimately had to look out side of Melrose," Lemmerman told Patch via text message, adding that she will miss the city.

The presidency would be filled by an alderman via Board vote.

Who fills Lemmerna's Ward 2 seat is more complicated. City Charter rules say long-serving alderman Don Conn would have the first opportunity, as there was no Ward 2 runner-up in the last election and Conn is the first at-large runner-up and also lives in Ward 2.

When reached by phone Friday, Conn told Patch he is undecided.

If Conn declines, Lemmerman's seat would be filled by the Board — much as Gail Infurna's Ward 5 seat was filled by Shawn MacMaster when Infurna was elevated to mayor — or be left vacant until the Nov. 5 election decides the new Ward 2 alderman. Jeffrey McNaught is the only person running; he would take over immediately rather than the new year.

Lemmerman's impact will be felt long after she steps away. She twice spearheaded the charge to rid Melrose of the Board of Aldermen title in favor of City Council - this year she succeeded. The measure is making its way through the state legislature. Lemmerman also helped create the Women's Commission.

"During my time on the Board, I have been given so many opportunities to grow – in my professional experiences and in my circle of community and friends," Lemmerman said when announcing she wouldn't run for reelection in July. "I am proud of the work we have done in Melrose over these years and grateful for all it has taught me. "