1954-1955Benjamin Smith II served as the mayor of Gloucester.Government and Public Service, City Government

Benjamin Smith II was born and raised in Gloucester and was John F. Kennedy’s roommate at Harvard University. During World War II, he served in the United States Navy. Later, he served as a member of the Gloucester School Committee and Gloucester City Council and was a trustee of Addison Gilbert Hospital. During his tenure as mayor, Gloucester was a Plan E form of government, which made the office of the mayor a ceremonial position, and the mayor was a city councilor chosen by the city council. The day-to-day of city government was carried out by a city manager.