Weymouth’s Mayor Bids Farewell After a Decade of Service: Robert Hedlund Steps Down With Heartfelt Message
In a move that surprised many residents of Weymouth, longtime Mayor Robert Hedlund is officially stepping down from office—cutting short his fourth term nearly two and a half years before its end. The announcement, which came via Facebook on a quiet Tuesday evening, hit both emotionally and politically for a town that's come to know Hedlund as a steadfast leader.
"It is with profound gratitude and appreciation that I have made the difficult decision to step down as Mayor of Weymouth," Hedlund wrote in the heartfelt social media post. He added, "I am confident that I am leaving Weymouth in very good hands and that the future will only continue to get brighter."
🏛️ A Legacy That Stretches Far Beyond City Hall
For those who’ve been around South Shore politics, Hedlund is far from a new name. Before he ever took up the mayor’s seat in Weymouth, he served a whopping 21 years as a Republican state senator, representing an impressive stretch of coastal towns including Duxbury, Hingham, Hull, Marshfield, Norwell, Scituate, Cohasset, and of course, Weymouth itself.
From 1995 through 2016, Hedlund built a reputation as a no-nonsense public servant with a passion for local issues, infrastructure, and economic growth. That background made him a natural fit when Weymouth, after reworking its charter in 1999 to transition from a town to a city, elected him as its third-ever mayor back in 2015.
📅 Exit Date Set: July 15
Hedlund's resignation will officially take effect on July 15, marking the end of his nine-and-a-half-year tenure. The decision to step away came without a clear reason, leaving constituents speculating on whether it's a personal choice, a strategic move, or simply time for a new chapter.
And while many would’ve expected a drawn-out election season to kick off immediately, Hedlund made sure to keep things efficient.
“This will preclude the need for additional costs that would have been necessary with a special election,” he explained, referring to the plan to align the mayoral election with the Town Council races in November—a practical solution that avoids the hassle and expense of a standalone vote.
⚙️ Transition Plan in Place
There’s no power vacuum here. Hedlund ensured a smooth hand-off by confirming that Chief of Staff Ted Langill would continue in his current role, maintaining continuity in day-to-day operations. More significantly, Town Council President Michael Molisse is expected to step in as acting mayor, pending the upcoming election.
Though Molisse didn't immediately respond to inquiries Tuesday night, all signs point to him being ready to serve—at least temporarily—as the town’s next leader.
👏 “Some of the Most Dedicated and Hardworking People”
Hedlund didn’t make the announcement about himself. Much of his message was dedicated to expressing admiration for the city workers and staff members he’s collaborated with over the past decade.
“I want to recognize our city staff—some of the most dedicated and hardworking people I’ve ever known,” he shared. “Their efforts often go unnoticed by the public, but I’ve seen their commitment every single day.”
Those kinds of words don’t come lightly. If anything, they’re a reminder of how deep Hedlund’s roots run in the city—and how much he values the people who’ve helped him build and shape Weymouth.
💡 Not Just Walking Away
Don’t expect Hedlund to ride off into the sunset completely. Although he’s leaving his mayoral post, he made it crystal clear that he’s not done caring about the community.
“While I am leaving the office of Mayor, I maintain my deep interest in what happens in town,” Hedlund wrote. “I will remain an engaged citizen of Weymouth and available for advice should I be asked.”
Translation? He might not be sitting in the big chair anymore, but Robert Hedlund is far from checking out. Whether it’s through mentorship, civic engagement, or informal guidance, he’s planning to stay involved.
🏙️ What’s Next for Weymouth?
With elections scheduled for November, the big question now becomes: Who’s going to lead Weymouth into its next chapter?
While acting mayor Michael Molisse will likely be a steady hand in the interim, the race to replace Hedlund could shake up the political scene. As the election season approaches, it’ll be worth watching to see if new names emerge or if familiar faces return for a shot at the top job.
And as the city moves forward, it does so with the infrastructure, momentum, and stability built during Hedlund’s time in office—a fact no one is overlooking.
🔍 Behind the Decision—Still a Mystery
One element that continues to puzzle observers is why Hedlund chose to step down now. With nearly half a term still left, there’s room for speculation. Was it health-related? Personal reasons? A strategic pivot to a different opportunity?
For now, the mayor hasn’t shared details, and maybe he won’t. Perhaps the takeaway is simply this: Ten years in public office is a marathon, not a sprint, and sometimes even the most dedicated officials know when it’s time to pass the torch.
🗳️ A Community Reflects
The community has already started reflecting on Hedlund’s contributions. Under his leadership, Weymouth saw investments in public safety, parks, schools, and neighborhood revitalization. His work on economic development helped attract businesses and jobs to the area, and he was known for his accessibility and hands-on leadership style.
It’s no surprise that social media and local forums have lit up with messages of thanks, nostalgia, and some understandable disappointment.
“We’ve had stability and progress under Hedlund,” one resident posted. “It’ll be strange not having him at the helm.”
📣 A Final Word
If there’s one thing Robert Hedlund’s departure reminds us of, it’s that leadership isn’t just about policies and press releases. It’s about presence, perseverance, and people—and in that regard, Weymouth’s outgoing mayor seems to have delivered all three in spades.
As the calendar moves toward July 15, the city will prepare to say goodbye to a familiar face in City Hall—but also, perhaps, to welcome new voices and visions for its future.
Stay tuned, Weymouth. The next chapter is about to be written.
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