Besides Paul Tsongas and Marty Meehan, who else belongs on Lowell’s political Mount Rushmore?
Teddy Panos
April 10, 2026
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I am very pleased and excited that Ted has begun the “Inside Lowell” blog. His knowledge of Lowell politics and issues is unparalleled. He loves the city deeply, and whether you agree with him or not, you can’t argue his passion for the city. He’s also a very strong advocate of local law enforcement. Upon my ascension to the position of Superintendent of the Lowell Police Department, we immediately began a partnership where each and every week, myself or another Command Staff officer, would appear at the WCAP radio station studio, or call in by phone, and engage the citizens of Lowell in frank conversations about issues affecting the city’s neighborhoods. This collaboration enhanced the community policing efforts of the Lowell Police Department and created the opportunity for the citizens of Lowell to speak directly with their police chief. I will always be grateful for Ted’s work on behalf of the Lowell Police Department.
(Fairly Unusual Narratives)
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The power of WE. So, Lowell currently leads Massachusetts in Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) approvals under the state's Affordable Homes Act, “by-right." While the state stripped the city's power to issue arbitrary denials, local leaders, WE, still retain full authority to MANAGE how these homes impact the city. A fair and reasonable compromise going forward does not mean breaking state law or trying to ban housing, instead, it means using our explicitly protected local powers to protect the neighborhoods. WE can still enforce strict setback requirements to protect neighbor privacy, utilize objective site plan reviews to guarantee safety, mandate environmental reviews to prevent backyard flooding, and implement uniform design rules so new ADUs seamlessly blend into the historic character of places like Belvidere. State law did not destroy our local standards, it destroyed discrimination against multi-generational families and seniors while keeping our safety and infrastructure safeguards completely intact. By shifting from outright opposition, and pivoting to smart and strategic regulation, Lowell can continue to build necessary housing without sacrificing the quality, character, peace, or unique identity of our existing neighborhoods, just by using the power of WE!"
- Jeanne Balkas