After 18 months in office as the Mayor of Methuen, James P. Jajuga told WHAV Wednesday he will not seek a second term. “I have been focused on leading and managing the city we all love through unprecedented challenges…and now that this is complete, I have taken some time to look to the future,” he told WHAV.
A former City Councilor, state Senator, U.S. Marine, Massachusetts State Police trooper, Jajuga calls his 50 years of public service an “honor,” telling WHAV the decision not to run again was not one he made lightly.
“I will always be grateful for the people of Methuen for their trust and confidence in me. Eight times I placed my name on the ballot, and eight times the voters gave me a chance to serve. Now it’s time to pass that honor on to someone else.”
Haverhill Mayor James J. Fiorentini will miss Jajuga’s commitment to the Merrimack Valley, saying, “I ran against Jim (Jajuga) 24 years ago, but have grown to respect him. I wish him the best in his new endeavor.”
Several candidates have expressed interest in succeeding Jajuga, including City Councilor Jennifer Kannan, Neil Perry, and Daniel Shibilia.