Since tonight from 6:30 -8:00 pm on Ch. 99 in Lowell we will be looking back at the 6 years of the City Manager’s tenure I thought I would share what now Sun Editor Jim Campanini had to say on his SUN BLOG that day and his response to some negative comments about Mr. Lynch and the process.
It’s Official: Council picks Bernie Lynch
It took less than 30 minutes this morning for the Lowell City Council to select Chelmsford Town Manager Bernie Lynch as the new city manager, succeeding John F. Cox. Lynch was a first ballot selection, picking up seven votes. Former Dukakis administration executive Frank Keefe picked up two votes. Lynch received support from Kevin Broderick, Eileen Donoghue, Rodney Elliott, Jim Milinazzo, George Ramirez, Edward “Bud” Caulfield, and Bill Martin. Keefe received votes from Rita Mercier rand Armand Mercier. According to sources, Lynch agreed to take the job at the highest salary offered by statute: $145,000. He now earns $138,000 in Chelmsford. Sources said Lynch is also seeking at least a two year contract, which would have to be approved by the council through an amendment to the current ordinance.
Posted by JimC at June 30, 2006 10:33 AM
To Happy He’s Gone,
I think the residents of Chelmsford have had a good 17-year-run with Bernie Lynch at the helm. The town remains one of the best places to live and work in the Merrimack Valley. It’s school system, despite infrastructure problems, has a first-rate faculty and produces well-educated students. As for public safety, there’s never been a serious problem that hasn’t been nipped in the bud. The government process is open at all levels. Taxes are certainly higher than when Bernie began his tenure, but home values have also skyrocketed, giving property owners a decent return on their investment. Has Bernie made enemies? I’m sure he has. Any person who has worked as a town manager ruffles feathers. Overall, though, he’s done right by Chelmsford and Chelmsford has done right by him. He deserves a shot at the Big Dog – Lowell.
Posted by: jim campanini at June 30, 2006 3:41 PM
Lou, you make a good point. It is time to give Bernie Lynch a chance. He’ll have enough challenges to deal with and doesn’t need to be compared with John Cox. That’s not fair. Of course, some people will do that and criticize every move Lynch makes. Bernie has to be his own manager, and the council has to rely on his skills and trust his judgment. Lowell needs to heal the wounds of the past few months and get on with a new era and a new way of thinking. The next election is when voters should state their case.
Posted by: jim campanini at June 30, 2006 10:10 PM
