Besides Paul Tsongas and Marty Meehan, who else belongs on Lowell’s political Mount Rushmore?
Teddy Panos
April 10, 2026
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Lowell’s renaissance has been well-documented as having several key parts: Federal, state and local governments working in unison; a strong public education sector, including Middlesex Community College and UMass-Lowell; a thriving business community; and a strong non-profit sector. Another key element is the media. Over the years journalists at The Sun and WCAP have worked hard to provide the role of watchdog while also entertaining readers and listeners with features, public service announcements and community news coverage. For a multitude of reasons, however, local news coverage has shrunk. That’s why the Panos effort is so key: Another eye on City Hall, town halls, the business community and various non-profits will keep all leaders, whether elected or appointed, on their toes. That’s a good thing. Not that it needed any legitimacy, but Inside Lowell serves up an even stronger hand with Dan Phelps and Patrick Cook, both former Sun journalists, on board. Good luck to the new venture!
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Down But Not Out! Please, let’s All Score a TKO for ALL Dracut’s kid’s futures! How, Dracut needs to do a revote on the Campbell School building project? YES, they LEGALLY can! Because the project already passed by a more than substantial 2/3 vote at Town Meeting, the Dracut Board of Selectmen can legally schedule a second special election ballot vote without starting from scratch. However, they have to first secure an official timeline extension from the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA). Dracut can’t afford to lose out on millions in state funding. If the state gives the green light, it will ultimately be up to Dracut voters to head back to the polls and make the final decision. I am someone who has ALWAYS believed in the power of second chances! Dracut may have lost the first round at the ballot box, but WE are NOT out! WHY? Because the ultimate effort to save the SIGNIFICANT state funding for the school building project is far from over! While the clock IS ticking on the state funding, this community has a rare opportunity to step back into the ring with a revote. We All need to rally together, show up, power through, and go the distance to the final round and prevail with a TKO for ALL kids' futures!
- Jeanne Balkas