As my term as Mayor comes to its conclusion this week, I am reminded that in January 2021, when I first took office, the City Council was meeting virtually. While I am very proud of the work we have accomplished over the past 2 years, I learned some valuable lessons. Most importantly, collegiality, communication and trust are necessary components of effective governing bodies and these qualities develop more fully when everyone is in the same room. The casual small talk that happens before and after a meeting can be just as important as the actual meeting when building relationships. And relationships are essential to the work done at all levels of government.

Sanford is fortunate to have a City Council that is highly motivated and invested in the belief that government works best when it is transparent, public and striving to improve the lives of its citizens. Your City Councilors are public servants in the truest sense of the word and it has been an honor to serve alongside them.

My gratitude also goes out to all of the employees of the City. They are the public servants who make elected officials like me look good when everything goes right and take the lumps when they don’t. I appreciate everything you did to help me do my job. I am forever grateful.

A special thank you to my husband, Al Mastraccio, who has always been my biggest defender. I could not do this work without your love and support.

And to the Citizens of Sanford and Springvale, thank you for allowing me to serve as your Mayor. It has been an honor and a privilege.

Mayor Anne-Marie Mastraccio