PAWTUCKET – District 6 City Councilor Marlena Martins Stachowiak has announced that she will not seek re-election to the Pawtucket City Council at the conclusion of her current term.
After serving the residents of the district and city, Martins Stachowiak said she has decided to step away from elected office to focus on her family.
“Few things mean more to me than the City of Pawtucket,” she said in a release. “Serving the residents of Ward 6 has been one of the greatest honors of my life. While this was not an easy decision, my family requires my full attention at this time.”
Martins Stachowiak is a mother to three boys ages 10, 9, and 4.
“My kids call me a super city councilor, now it’s time to work on being a super mom,” she said.
Matthew Carvalho previously announced that he’s running for the District 6 seat.
During her time on the City Council, Stachowiak served as chairperson of the property subcommittee and worked on numerous projects and initiatives that have impacted the district and city as a whole, she said, including Tidewater Landing and new school buildings. She played a role in bringing the Fairlawn Dog Park to fruition, supported the ongoing improvements at Veterans Park, and secured funding for the new turf field at Slater Park.
Martins Stachowiak said she also worked closely with city departments to address neighborhood concerns and advocate for residents throughout the district. She was a vocal opponent of a proposed scrapyard in Fairlawn and witnessed significant investments in District 6, she said, including the development of the new train station, new housing projects, and the remediation of the transfer station and former incinerator site, which will be demolished and capped.
“I am incredibly grateful to my colleagues on the City Council, our city employees, and the residents who placed their trust in me,” said Martins Stachowiak. “I have learned so much during my time in office and am proud of what we have accomplished together.”
While she will not be seeking another term, Martins Stachowiak said she intends to remain engaged in the community and continue following issues affecting District 6 and the city.
“To the next Ward 6 Councilor, I wish you success,” she said. “The residents of this district deserve strong representation, and I will always care deeply about the future of the neighborhood I have been a part of for 40 plus years and this city.”
Martins Stachowiak thanked the residents of District 6, her colleagues on the council, Mayor Donald Grebien and his staff, city staff, including the clerk’s office and DPW, police and fire, community organizations, and supporters for the opportunity to serve.
“It has truly been an honor,” she said.
