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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Supporting ALL businesses is vital for any city or town. But, it also means they have to be fair and good neighbors and respect the residents quality of life. Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 40A, Section 9 gives Zoning Boards the legal power to “impose conditions, safeguards and limitations on time and use”. The best solution is always a give and take, quid pro quo approach and deal. The sign can be fully lit when it gets dark, but it must be turned off completely or dimmed by half after 10:00 PM so the neighbors, the hardworking taxpayers, can sleep. So MARKLEY should use soft, warm lighting instead of the very harsh, bright white or blue light. Also, the lights should only light up the letters so it doesn’t cast a bright glare into nearby bedroom windows where people and children are trying to sleep, or Oliveria Park where you don’t want to encourage after hour loitering and disturb the neighbors peace and quiet. MARKLEY respectfully should use a small part of its budget to also plant evergreen trees by the park to block and minimize any leftover light.
- Jeanne Balkas