Peabody mayor’s top aide off to N.H.

PEABODY – After seven long, productive years, Sean Fitzgerald will be stepping down from his role as Chief of Staff to Mayor Michael Bonfanti later this month and crossing state lines to advance his career.”Since January 2002, it has been my privilege to serve the City of Peabody,” he said. “I have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to help fight for the needs of the citizens of Peabody, and I have marveled at the tremendous accomplishments and challenges over the last seven years.”Fitzgerald has been at the forefront of the battle to earn state dollars to address the city’s infamous flooding issues. He has also, many times, been the face of City Hall as an active participant in various community outreach events, as well as played a prominent role in the city’s move to create additional affordable housing and improved school buildings. On many occasions, it was Fitzgerald whom Bonfanti would refer inquiries to.”He has been a big part of making Peabody work,” said Bonfanti. “I appreciate his seriousness of purpose, his commitment to the public good, and his steady, strong resolve to fight for the good of the City.”Fitzgerald will continue to serve Peabody as a resident, but the town of Plaistow, N.H. will reap the benefits of his professional work as their new Town Manager.”I will miss this job and the citizens of Peabody terribly, yet I am very excited about the possibilities of future endeavors,” he said.Having worked side by side with Bonfanti, Fitzgerald feels confident that his mayor will continue to do great work for the city without him.”Helping Mayor Bonfanti for the needs of the City of Peabody has been a tremendous honor,” he said. “Mayor Bonfanti is a good man and he has been an extraordinary Mayor to work for and with during these challenging, yet productive years. At the same time, Mayor Bonfanti is at the forefront of helping to build a stronger Peabody.”He went on to say that “there is no one that works harder and no one is more able, more dedicated, or capable of leading this City at this time. While I am sad to leave, I am very much looking forward to having him continue to serve as my mayor.”Bonfanti, too, is sad for Fitzgerald’s departure and said he will be surely missed.”I know how hard it is to balance the demands of a young family,” he said. “Sean is a tireless and talented individual who leaves my administration with a strong record of accomplishment?I am sorry to see him go, but I will continue to work very closely with him.”Fitzgerald wished to thank Bonfanti and the rest of City Hall staff, including Mary Bellavance and Dianne Marchese of the mayor’s office, for their hard work “dealing with the difficult, yet important work of helping Peabody reach its potential.”