HOLYOKE — City Council President Todd McGee announced he will not be running for reelection in the fall, marking the end of 18 years of service on the council.

The Ward 7 councilor announced his decision before the City Council and members of the St. Patrick’s Committee of Holyoke during their March 7 meeting as he also noted it would be his final march in the parade as an active councilor.

“It has truly been an honor to serve this community,” McGee said.

McGee was the Ward 6 councilor most of his career with the council but has served as the Ward 7 councilor in this current term, as he was elected after he came out of a brief retirement. McGee thanked his fellow councilors and past councilors for allowing him to serve as council president for the maximum three terms.

Before his brief retirement McGee had become acting mayor in March 2021 after Mayor Alex Morse resigned on short notice to accept the town manager position in Provincetown. Because of work commitments related his job as a lawyer, the council worked with McGee and selected former Ward 2 Councilor Terence Murphy to take over as acting mayor in April 2021. Murphy served in that role until November 2021 when Mayor Joshua Garcia was elected.

During the time between Morse’s departure and Garcia’s inauguration, McGee worked to bring the city’s municipal offices together following a disconnect that grew during the previous mayor’s administration. McGee will also be remembered as a consistent and fair mediator when maintaining order in council discussions over the years.

“I can honestly say it’s been an amazing journey to serve this city. I am grateful to my fellow councilors both here and in the past,” McGee said. “Without them, my career in government would not have gotten me here today, nor would it have been as enjoyable as it was. We have phenomenal employees in this city who work very hard for us.”

McGee was emotional as he explained the decision felt right as he wanted to focus more on his growing children.

“I feel it’s the right time for me to take this step back and focus on what my future is and what path I’ll be taking. That path is to see my kids grow up,” McGee said.

McGee said he promised his children he would be there for them and said this announcement was him keeping that promise to watch them grow up. His fellow councilors applauded his comments and rose with appreciation for the council president.

McGee also added it was only right to make this announcement so residents in Ward 7 were aware and candidates could consider running for the soon-to-be-vacant seat.

When reflecting once more on his tenure, McGee said he hopes his time on the council had a positive impact, including the renovation of Community Field and the ongoing Scott Tower and Anniversary Hill project.

Focus for the remainder of his term will be business as usual, as McGee noted with the parade and the city’s 150th birthday, it was going to be a year to look forward to in Holyoke.

“We have a lot going on before this year ends. So let us do our work as we have always tried to do in a manner that is best for the city as a whole. Let us work together to make this year one of the most memorable years in this city’s history,” McGee said. “I thank you all for everything you’ve done for me and my family. God bless you and thank you.”