City Council member Ross Arnett will not be seeking reelection later this year in order to spend more personal time in Annapolis, he said in a phone interview Monday afternoon.

“Over the past few months, and with deliberation and some sadness, I have decided to make this year my last on the Council. I do not plan to leave my beloved Annapolis. I will remain involved, especially in urging that the City puts the residents first in all matters,” Arnett, who represents Ward 8, wrote in an email.

Over his 18-year political career, Arnett has held leadership positions as chair of the Finance Committee and chair of the Rules and City Government Committee. He also is a member of the Environmental Matters Committee and has served as a member of the Audit Committee, which oversees city’s financial reports, since 2022.

Arnett, who was elected to office in 2007, said it was time to “step aside and do other things and let other people have a go.” In November, Arnett told the Capital “it’s always been [his] intention to run for a sixth term” although he had not filed paperwork or assembled a campaign team at the time. Asked what changed, he said there were a “few things”, but would not give specifics other than to say it’s “hard work to run for office and it’s hard work to be in office.” He said he has a positive impression of Frank Thorp, a Democrat and former Navy midshipman who recently announced his bid for the Ward 8 seat.

“I am impressed with his dedication to service over his entire career and will be quite comfortable should he be my successor,” Arnett said, stopping short of an official endorsement.

Rob Savidge, a Democrat representing Ward 7, described Arnett as “the hardest working alderman” who has “been a mentor of mine over the years.” Arnett has either sponsored or co-sponsored 176 pieces of legislation, according to Legistar, a tracking system. In a phone interview, Savidge said Arnett was “instrumental” in getting environmental policy passed, including a forest conversation measure and a ban on sales of certain plastic bags.

Shelia Finlayson, a Democrat representing Ward 4, said Arnett will be “sorely missed.”

“It has been a true pleasure working with him. He’s a voice of reason. He has tremendous insight into fiscal issues, and of course, the maritime industry, which is his greatest passion. … So, it will be truly a loss for the council, losing his experience,” she said Monday. Finlayson was elected alongside Arnett in 2007.

As of now, the Ward 8 race is between Thorp and independent candidate Will Cunha.

“I’m quite pleased with some of the things that I’ve been able to do with my constituents over my 18 years [in office], and there’s still more work to do, and I’m going [to work] hard for the rest of the term,” Arnett said.

Have a news tip? Contact Megan Loock at mloock@baltsun.com or 443-962-5771.