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August 4, 2006
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Lenzi's Restaurant had all the trappings of a real live, old time election bash
last night. Really. There was excitement in the air. The band was playing. Lowellians
for all over the city were greeting each other, some for the first time in years.
But this wasn't supposed to be a candidate's night, even though everything had
the feel of election night fever. It was a testimonial to former City Manager
John Cox forr his years of public service. More than 450 people turned out to
extend their gratitude to the man who worked hard to revitalize the downtrodden
downtown and give every Lowellian the right to raise his or her battered chin.
Rep.. Dave Nangle was there. He said over 500 tickets were sold. At the end of
the night, after a slewl of accolades were given to Cox, the former manager took
the rostrum and announced that $15,000 was raised on the night and all of it would
go to charity. The Lowell Flood Relief Fund and the family of Cox's late friend,
Chuck Kelliher, will share in the proceeds. So even though "Cox for Council
2007" buttons were prominently on display, the money wasn't for the Cox campaign
kitty. That's the way Cox said he wanted it.. All the money for charity. Here's
a guy, ousted from City Hall, still giving back to the people and city he loves.
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Will Cox run in 2007? I think it's a long shot. Cox wants to get on with life
and make some money. He's got a daughter headed to high school and a few years
she'll be going to college.. He'll have some big bills to pay soon enough. Some
of his friends are already touting him to be the next mayor. While interesting,
it doesn't make sense for a guy who could become a state senator, judge or commission
appointee in the next gubernatorial administration, whether Democrat or Republican.
But I've been wrong before. If Cox doesn't run for council, I think he'll be active
in the next campaign, backing certain candidates who might emerge over the next
12 months.
There's no doubt, however, that Cox can still attract a crowd. He's got a huge
gallery of friends and admirers.
Testimonials were delivered by former Rep. Ed LeLacheur who said he'd like to
become the friend that JOhn Cox is to him. Councilor Armand Mercier pleaded for
Cox to run for Council, saying the city needs his leadership. Councilors Rita
Mercier and Edward "Bud" Caulfield followed with similar tributes. Reps.
Nangle and Tom Golden issued kind words and a warm note from Sen. Steven Panagiotakos,
who was on vacation, was read aloud. Former Rep. Susan Rourke delivered praise
from MIddlesex County Sheriff Jim DiPaola and Governor's Council member Michael
Callahan, one of the funniest MC's around and a perennial St. Patirck's Day must-hear,
closed the night with a few jokes and fond memories about Cox's days at the Legislature.
Dracut Selectman Bob Cox, John Cox's brother, hosted the event in fine fashion.
Maybe this was the start of a campaign. I don't know. All this could fade in a
month or two. But one thing rings true: many people care for and about John Cox
and hold him responsible for the good things that have happened in Lowell over
the past six years.
Posted by JimC at August 4, 2006 9:22 AM
