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November 12, 2007

Time for unity

Now that the Lowell election is over and the political dust is settling, it is time for city councilors to start fulfilling the promises of unity and cooperation made on the campaign trail.

For more than 15 months, there has been a deep division on the council, a rift sparked by the change in city managers. It is time for that break to be healed -- for the good of the council, the city and its residents.

Every councilor elected Tuesday told voters he or she had no hidden agendas, no axes to grind, no political battle to avenge. We believe they spoke from the heart, that they want what is best for all of Lowell's 108,000 residents. The actions they take over the next two years will let us know if we were right.

Certainly, a unified City Council, working alongside City Manager Bernie Lynch and other local officials to boost economic development, increase job opportunities, repair roads and improve neighborhoods, is in the best interest of every Lowell citizen.

Lowell's leaders must work on the ambitious $500 million Hamilton Canal District plan, smooth the way for a new Target and Lowe's to move into the city, aggressively market the community to attract more business and maintain the city's improved crime rates.
This is difficult work, and it becomes more difficult if the City Council split continues.

In two months, there will be two new faces on the council. They must join with the seven returning councilors to put aside petty political bickering and old grudges. Lowell can move toward a brighter tomorrow only if all of its leaders are willing to look to the future instead of gazing wistfully at the past.

In recent interviews, Councilor Armand Mercier said the council must "move forward" and "stop talking about the past." Councilor Rodney Elliott promised to reach across the aisle to unite the fractured board "to work to improve the lives of every resident of Lowell." Councilor Edward "Bud" Caulfield vowed to organize a unity breakfast.

It is heartening to hear these words from veteran councilors, and to have heard similar vows of unity and cooperation from the two councilors-elect. Lowell voters, and The Sun, will be watching to see if the councilors keep their promises.

Putting their positive words into action -- by working cooperatively as a council alongside City Manager Lynch -- will restore faith in residents and in business leaders who may be considering moving into Lowell.

Posted by Admin at November 12, 2007 11:44 AM