PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Ward 1 Councilor Lisa Tully has opted not to seek re-election this fall.

 

Tully is concluding two terms on the council after first being elected in 2013, when she ousted the incumbent Christine Yon. On Monday she released a statement saying she is foregoing a re-election bid to spend more time with family.

 

"It has been an honor to represent the residents of Ward 1 for two terms. While the experience is very rewarding, being a city councilor is also very time-consuming. At this moment in my life, I want to spend more time with my grandchildren while they are still young," Tully wrote.

 

"Although I will no longer be officially in public service, I will continue to serve the community as a volunteer.  I will remain an advocate for the restoration of the house at Springside Park. I will continue to offer my services to the Morningside Initiative and assist with the annual clean up. I also plan to get involved in other volunteer activities with the additional free time."

 

Tully, however, says she isn't stepping away from city government for good. 

 

"I wish to thank all of my family, friends and neighbors who supported and encouraged me to put myself out in front of the public and seek a local office.  Don’t be surprised to see me return to city government when my nursing career winds down and my grandchildren are older," she wrote.

 

Tully becomes the second sitting city councilor to opt against re-election bids. City Councilor at Large Kathleen Amuso announced in February she, too, would not seek re-election. Both made announcements early in the year to encourage others to run for the open seats.

 

"I am announcing my intentions early in order to encourage candidates to come forward. I want to see more young people get involved in city politics and the healthy debate of local issues during the upcoming election season for this very important position," Tully wrote.

 

So far only Ty Allan Jackson has announced intentions to run for election. He plans to seek an at-large seats.

 

Nomination papers are available on April 3. In order to get on the ballot, candidates must have 150 signatures for an at-large seat, 50 for a ward seat.