Councilor Elliot,

You should be proud of the work you did on the budget and for recommending so many cuts. You should be proud that along with Councilor Mercier, Councilor Kennedy, Councilor Mendonca and Councilor Lorrey you have assured the citizens of Lowell the lowest tax increase in the last 6 years.

The Soccer Field is getting the sewage upgrade it was owed and your political enemy the Mayor during the budget process made himself look like an angry, bitter person(that is what got the last Mayor booted).

You need to now control your anger at the Manager and only criticize when you are certain you are 100% correct. Case in point:

You gain nothing my making statements in the Sun like:

Councilor Rodney Elliott argues Lynch should have at least suspended if not terminated Carney much sooner. He said Carney’s “political connections” may have been the reason for Lynch’s delay.

“I don’t think the manager has handled this well from the beginning,” Elliott said. “As soon as he knew that Mr. Carney covered this up for months, he should have removed him from his position. Even in the last few days, a lot could have happened to cover up the theft further.”

If the Manager had done that before the budget hearing Saturday, you, the Sun or others would have accused him of trying to protect Carney. You didn’t gain anything with the citizens by taking a shot at a guy for doing what he thought was in the best interest of the city.

You have positioned yourself with the voters and with at least 4 other councilors has a person who is concerned about the taxpayer and who followed through on it. Build on that.

Stay true to the issues you believe in and don’t get caught up in the political fight with the Manager. Deal with him as if he was one of your Gov’t Bosses Boss, professional and only when you have to.

If you continue to be the fiscal guy, the guy who fights for the taxpayer and avoid the horse crap with the Manager (leave it for the Sun and Campy) then you not only will get re-elected but get the Mayor’s position that has eluded you.

Work with the 4 councilors who voted along with you for the taxpayers. Build on that relationship and show them you can work with them and represent them.

Here is another chance to re-create yourself to your fellow councilors, the citizens who support you and your critics.

Take it and run with it.