Mayor Michael Bonfanti used the very end of his mid-term inaugural address Monday night to tell his supporters and colleagues at City Hall that he will not seek a sixth term in November.

Bonfanti began by saying that he always viewed being mayor as being a steward who looks after the city the way a steward looks after his land. After nine years in office, Bonfanti revealed his decision about his political future.

"It is now time that I relinquish my stewardship of the city. Consequently, I will not seek reelection to the position as mayor of this city," said Bonfanti as he fought back tears.

Bonfanti, a Democrat, is serving the final year of his fifth term and has served nine years since he was elected in 2002. His main focus during that time has been to preserve city services and improve the infrastructure without too much spending.

After his address, Bonfanti told Peabody Patch that it was very hard for him to come to his decision that he has wrestled with for months. But he said he felt it was time for him to let go of the job and allow someone else to be the city's steward.