Councilor Joyce Declines to Run for Re-Election

District 4 Council Henry Joyce, a longtime proponent of Braintree's parks and recreation programs, has announced that he will not seek re-election this fall.

Joyce, who served in the Army during the Vietnam War and spent 39 years working in the financial industry before retiring in 2003, said that although he is stepping aside, he plans to stay involved with the Town of Braintree.

His announcement comes as the field of candidates for the local election in November is starting to take shape. More than a dozen candidates have taken out paperwork so far to begin collecting nominating signatures, including on Wednesday Frank C. Boncaldo for District 4 and Philip A. Baldassini for District 5.

Below is the letter Joyce released about this decision:

After much thought and deliberation, I have decided not to seek a fourth term as District 4 Town Councilor. 

It has been my pleasure to serve the residents of Braintree for more than fifteen years. My years as a Park Commissioner were very rewarding making sure that Braintree  had the best Parks and Playgrounds on the South Shore and that our services and recreational activities were second to none. 

The past six years, serving as District 4’s first Town Councilor, has been particularly rewarding and I thank you for the privilege. It has been my pleasure to represent the residents and to ensure our new form of government works for the betterment of the community. I believe the Mayoral/Council form of government is much more efficient and responsive to the residents of Braintree.

I would like to thank everyone who supported me over the years and the residents who put their trust in me. Although I leave public office I plan to continue to help make Braintree a better place to live.

Sincerely yours
Henry "Hank" Joyce