City Councilor Mark Ciommo won't seek re-election this fall

Mark Ciommo, who has represented Allston/Brighton as a city councilor for almost 12 years, announced today he will not run for re-election to his District 9 seat this fall.

He joins Councilors Tim McCarthy (Hyde Park, Mattapan, Roslindale) and Josh Zakim (Back Bay, Beacon Hill, Mission Hill, Fenway, Bay Village) in not seeking re-election.

At least three people have already announced runs for the District 9 seat: Brandon Bowser, who ran against Ciommo two years ago, and Elizabeth Breadon and Lee Nave, Jr..

Ciommo did not cite a specific reason for stepping down, but noted the changes in the district and Boston since he was first elected:

When I was first elected there was an impending foreclosure crisis, declining property values and the worst recession since the Great Depression. Approximately 25 schools were closed and/or merged, libraries were threatened and hundreds of layoffs occurred. Allston-Brighton did not have a single inch of bike lanes, community open space was in need of more investment and Boston Landing was a blighted industrial area and polluting bus yard. We have since emerged from these very difficult times to boast a solid economy, steady job growth and a AAA bond rating, the highest municipal bond rating in our city’s history. Although many challenges remain, the state of our city is strong and prepared to face those challenges head on.

H/t Matt Robare.