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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Firefighter Nick Spinale is very young, 28 years old, and this is GREAT news that he is doing so well! The most immediate, fair and urgently necessary fix SPECIFICALLY for Firefighter Nick Spinale, is a locally negotiated Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the town and the union, which takes effect immediately upon signing and does not require state-level legislative approval. As Union President Rob Albon stated, time is of the essence, and this is a very unique and unforeseen situation, and the Legislative route is a lengthy one. BUT, it should include the State Fire Academy’s responsibility in the MOA to ensure the academy remains responsible. The MOA should be structured to include the state academy rather than just acting as a "stop-gap" by the town alone. The MOA can stipulate that the town covers the immediate pay gap for right now, with a legal stipulation that the town will be reimbursed by the state later. That this is just a temporary, good-faith fix pending a final determination that the primary liability is with the state academy. Lawyers will know how to FAIRLY word this to protect the town and its hardworking taxpayers as well as the very valued , appreciated and dedicated firefighter. However, this IS an issue that DOES require legislative action as well as the need for broader policy changes, because the Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts have highlighted this as a statewide "loophole," and they urge “all municipalities to adopt MOUs that protect full-time firefighters who work for the state academy”. But MOU’s aren’t enough to close the “loophole” and legislative action is still VERY necessary for a comprehensive and uniform permanent standard for ALL Firefighters in ALL cities and towns.
- Jeanne Balkas