City Councilor Patrick Murphy announced on WCAP this morning that he is indeed running for re-election. He was uncertain due to a medical issue but has decided that he will indeed be running. The Councilor said he thought his motion total was higher than the 55 I listed (from the published City Council Agenda’s on the City of Lowell Web Site) but stated he was following through on many of his campaign issues. If you read the many motions you will see that the councilor has suggested many ways for the city to improve performance and to obtain grants. We may have our share of disagreements but I’m glad he is back running for a 2nd term.

One rumor that I keep being fed which I think is a real conspiracy/ paranoia one, is one that people say will play out in August. It is said that is when current Greater Lowell Technical School Committee member David LaFerriere announces he isn’t going to run for re-election and former member Mike Hayden, who announced he was pulling out of the Lowell School Committee race citing personal as well as family health issues pulls papers and runs at the last minute. If you recall Mike stated to the Sun because of the health issues, he will “not be able to put on the type of campaign deserving of a run for the Lowell School Committee.” Which I guess shouldn’t exclude the possibility that he would run especially if neither incumbent runs and he has a free ride.

Maybe I am naive but I can’t see that happening. Say what you will about Mike Hayden but I don’t see Mike using his or his families health has a cover for pulling out of a race only to jump into another one a few months later because it is uncontested and he walks into a seat. Mike likes the fight, any fight and I just don’t see him pulling a stunt like this. It would only damage his credibility.

So why do people insist he would put his name on a ballot again?

Because neither Dave LaFerriere or Mike Lenzi have pulled papers or announced their intentions. Plus there was the original rumor that LaFerriere was made Chairman after his re-election last term because it was going to be his last term and he had never been Chair.

LaFerriere has also mentioned on City Life that he was considering a run at City Council something he has done in 2007 (finished 18th of 21 ) 2005 (15th out of 18) and 2003 (13th out of 15) so until either one of them make something official, expect the rumors about a Hayden return to continue to circulate.

I did email Mike to get a comment but he hasn’t yet returned my email (but is was only a couple hours ago) and will Post any response he gives in either email or has a comment to this Post.