Sullivan won't run for mayor

By Katie Farrell
Staff writer

July 03, 2009 03:50 am

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NEWBURYPORT — Former School Committee member Dick Sullivan Jr. said yesterday that while he had been considering a run for mayor this fall, he has decided against it.

"Part of it is because of the money's that involved," Sullivan said.

He said yesterday he had discussed his intentions with his father, Dick Sullivan Sr., a former mayor, who cautioned him about the expenses and costs associated with being the city's top elected official.

He said Mayor John Moak expressed the same thoughts, telling Sullivan part of the reason he wasn't seeking a third term in office was because he didn't want to take money out of his retirement savings to continue to subsidize his job as mayor.

Newburyport's mayor earns a base salary of $60,000 with $5,000 in two additional travel and expense stipends. But for the mayor, there are also events, fundraisers and banquets to support and contribute to.

"You're supposed to be everywhere," Sullivan said.

While he said he may consider a run for the City Council "somewhere down the road," for now, he plans to stay in the real estate business with his father, Sullivan said.

"I care about public service and getting things moving," he said.