As an 8-year-old, McGlynn shook the hand of newly elected President John F. Kennedy during a visit to the State House on Jan. 9, 1961. The precocious boy later told his father, “I want to grow up to be mayor of Medford.”

His father, Jack, served as state representative and as mayor of Medford in the 1950s and 1960s, when the post was largely ceremonial, a title bestowed on the top vote-getter in the City Council race.

MEDFORD — Michael J. McGlynn grew up dreaming of being mayor of the city where his family’s Democratic political roots run as deep and blue as Medford High’s traditional school color.


McGlynn fulfilled that dream 28 years ago, when he became the city’s first popularly elected mayor. And this week, McGlynn — now the longest-serving current mayor in the state — announced he would not seek reelection to a 15th term.

“This was my childhood ambition,” McGlynn said, seated in his spacious office at City Hall Tuesday. “This was not an easy decision. I love the job as much today as I did when I was sworn in.”

In his 28 years, McGlynn battled with Medford City Council about bond authorizations and tax rates. But he also reveled in the job’s ceremonial duties, such as greeting a costumed Paul Revere on horseback as part of the city’s Patriots Day observance.

More recently, he has led the drive to raise money to build a memorial for Boston Marathon bombing victims, including Krystle Campbell, a graduate of Medford High.

McGlynn, who was widely expected to seek reelection, was not facing any announced opposition in the fall. But he also had grown weary of frequent skirmishes with the seven-member city council.

In the last two elections, McGlynn said he was determined to see through a sweeping capital improvement plan that touched on everything from tree stump and sidewalk repairs to the construction of a new public works facility.


“I didn’t see anyone out there who would carry my programs through,” McGlynn said. “But this time, I finally said to myself, ‘I just can’t keep asking this question every two years.’ ”

McGlynn and his wife, Sheila, have three adult daughters. The couple have four grandchildren, who range in age from 1 to 4 years old. “When I called two of my daughters, they both said, ‘Dad, I’m so happy for you. Can you baby-sit?’ ”

His decision stunned residents and statewide political observers.

“It’s virtually impossible for me to imagine local government without Michael McGlynn in office,” said Geoff Beckwith, executive director of the Massachusetts Municipal Association, a statewide group of which McGlynn is a board member.

McGlynn, a past president of the association, is seen as a strong voice on the most important state matters facing local communities, such as local aid, economic development, and transportation, Beckwith said.

Leominster Mayor Dean J. Mazzarella — the state’s second-longest-serving mayor at 22 years — said McGlynn was a mentor.

“At the time he was elected, the job of mayor was changing to be one of a manager,” Mazzarella said in a telephone interview. “It became less about politics and more about outcome-based management. He was always there to help any of us.”

On Tuesday, news of McGlynn’s decision filtered through Medford Square.

“I’m shocked,” said Rich Neary, 55, a Medford native and a sausage vendor, who stopped into Medford Smoke Shop. “He’s done so much. Our streets are in good shape. We have new schools. We have new fire equipment. He’s out in this city 24/7.”


“My picture is over there on the wall with him,” said Frank Perry, 68, a retired Medford schoolteacher, nodding toward a newspaper clipping posted on the wall inside The Lighthouse, a breakfast spot in Medford Square. “I like Mike McGlynn. He’s been very good to veterans, and I like that he’s encouraged businesses to come here.”

But others think McGlynn has been in office long enough.

“I think that’s great he’s leaving,” said Norman Fenn, 81, after his morning coffee at The Lighthouse. “I’ve seen him at the senior center a couple of times, but since they’ve put the new parking meters [in Medford Square], I haven’t seen him.”

“He’s been there too long,” said Lois Phinney, 61, a retired secretary and 21-year resident, seated at the counter of a local doughnut shop. “But I can’t say he’s a bad man or been a bad mayor.”

McGlynn plans to retire after his term expires in January, ending a 40-year career in elected office. Before becoming mayor, he was a six-term Democratic state representative from Medford. In 1987, he was elected mayor, defeating a handful of candidates that included his cousin.

McGlynn cited as among his top achievements the development of Station Landing, a residential/commercial development on the Mystic River, and the introduction of a linkage fee for developers that supports public infrastructure.


He’s also proud to have built sparkling new science labs at Medford High, six elementary schools, and two middle schools, one of which is named for his father, John J. McGlynn, now 93 years old.

“I grew up wanting to be just like him,” McGlynn said, smiling.

Kathy McCabe can be reached at katherine.mccabe @globe.com.