PEABODY — There will be at least one open seat on the Peabody City Council this fall and Ward 1 Councilor Jon Turco is going for it.
City Councilor-at-Large David Gravel, first elected to the School Committee in 1995 and on the council since 2008, said it’s time to step down. The 62-year-old business owner said he considered retirement while on a spring vacation to Eastern Europe.
“Through 20 years and 11 elections I have thoroughly enjoyed my involvement as an elected official,” he wrote on his Facebook page. “I want to thank everyone who supported me these many years, including my family, especially my wife, Cathy, who supported me every step of the way, my friends, my campaign crew and supporters, and … the voters,” he said. “I consider it an honor and a privilege to serve and will work diligently to the end of my term. Thank you all for providing me with this honor.”
On Sunday, Turco posted his desire to make a run for the seat on Facebook.
“It was a tough decision because it’s a big risk,” Turco told The Item on Monday. “But there’s also a risk in being complacent. In four years, I’ve done a lot for Ward One and as an at-large councilor I can work for the entire city.”
A candidate can only run for one seat, and if Turco loses the citywide race, he will not be on the council next year. Two other candidates, School Committeeman Jarrod Hochman and Anthoy Vidinha have pulled papers to run for the seat vacated by Gravel.
Over the last few days, more than a dozen of Gravel’s constituents responded with kind words of appreciation for his years of service.
City Treasurer Julie Daigle said his knowledge, thoughtfulness and experience will be missed.
“I always looked forward to hearing your perspective and have learned so much by watching you,” she wrote. “Peabody has been so lucky to have your service and dedication.”
Cheryl Holbert Millard thanked Gravel and his wife for the countless hours they contributed to benefit residents.
“You are and always will be a true champion for all those around you, Dave,” she wrote. “I am forever grateful for your support and friendship.”
Harriet Zolotas said Gravel’s retirement was well deserved. “Thank you for your time,” she wrote.
Marguerite Trufant praised him for his dedication to the city for two decades.
Ken Foster said voters were honored to have him on the council.
Gravel, who is president and CEO of GraVoc Associates, a Peabody technology consulting firm, is one of five at-large councilors. Councilors Thomas Gould, Anne Manning-Martin, Ryan Melville, and Thomas Rossignoll are planning to seek reelection.
