Senator Ed Kennedy’s passing gives me the chance to remind everyone that even when you may not see eye to eye on many issues, and at times take shots at each other, sometimes it’s just politics.

When you get the opportunity to get to know the person, your perspective of them can change,.

Ed Kennedy’s long career in public service included several key roles:

• Lowell City Council: He first won a seat in 1977 and served four terms (1978–1985), returning to the council in 2012.
• Middlesex County Commissioner: He was elected to this role in 1989, serving until 1996
• Mayor of Lowell: Kennedy held the mayoral position from 2016 to 2017..
• Massachusetts State Senate: After winning election in 2018, he was in his fourth term at the time of his passing.

During his first time on the City Council, he represented Lowell on the Northern Middlesex Council of Governments (NMCOG) board and, along with Dennis Ready and Warren Shaw, had a say about where the “temporary” bridge would go. He never stopped advocating for a new bridge to replace the “temporary” one.

I wrote a blog and, truthfully, was a bit of an ass when I ran it during the first couple of years. Just ask Mary Burns, Rodney Elliott and others.

Ed was one who got a few digs from me. When I was being appointed to the Election Commission by then City Manager Bernie Lynch, Ed and Rodney Elliott, along with Jim Campanni and Chris Scott at the Sun, gave me an overdose of a taste of my own medicine!

It was political, not personal, but it was a humbling lesson in “Payback’ss a Bitch!”

Later, when I ran for School Committee and attended a Marty Lorrey fundraiser at the Blue Shamrock, I had the chance to talk with Ed and Phil Shea about their early political careers and exchange a few stories I had been told by former Councilor/Mayor/LRTA Executive Director Bob Maguire, who was a distant cousin of mine.

That connection seemed to soften Ed’s opinion of me and after that, being on the same side of the LHS issue gave us more common ground.

His love and respect for education also was a common idea that connected us. His late sister was a schoolteacher, and Ed was always a champion of funding education in Lowell.

Once I took over hosting the Morning show on WCAP (from some guy named Panos), Ed never ducked coming on to talk about what was going on in the Senate and funding for Lowell.

When he found out his brother Dan was hanging out and socializing with my sister Kathie in Florida during winters, it was another connection, and the few times we have spoken since then he always mentioned their friendship.

If you’ve read any Facebook posts, you found out from Erik Gitschier, Corey Robinson and Zoe Dzineku that he always mentioned family connections and took the time to help mentor those interested in politics. Former Councilor Karen Cirillo comes to mind when thinking about someone he helped a great deal.  Ed and I were not friends, but we did find common ground to work together after a very bumpy start.

His staff led by Patti Kirwin Keilty, along with Dominik Lay and James Ostis, did a great job for our district and supported Ed.  May his family and many friends always remember him in their hearts and may he rest in peace.

WHO’s NEXT? Lowell being Lowell it took only hours it only took a few hours after the announcement of Senator Kennedy’s passing for the political bubble to start speculating about who may or may not run in special election. Lowell again being Lowell, no candidate from outside the city was mentioned.

Since this is technically an “open” seat, I’m pretty sure the Republicans will try to have at least one candidate, but it can’t be Karla Miller, John MacDonald, Marty Hogan or Brian Genest. All have lost races rather soundly.

Since the district consists of Lowell and the towns of Dracut, Dunstable, Pepperell and Tyngsborough, I would expect a possible candidate from at least one of those communities to at least look at running.

The names that have been floated to me for “your thoughts” are (along with my thoughts):

16th Middlesex State Representative Rodney Elliott – I think he would do a very good job, but I think the minority, but vocal progressive democrats wouldn’t support him. I’d say he will run and is a favorite to win!

17th Middlesex Representative Vanna Howard – Those same progressive democrats would be very supportive if she decided to run, but I’m not sold on the idea she is that interested. Maybe she could be talked into it. Only 15% chance she runs

Lowell City Councilor Sokhary Chau – He ran for Register of Deeds in 4 of the 5 communities, but he did so right after winning re-election and again would be announcing a run after another re-election. NOT RUNNING is my take.

John Drinkwater – Came within 467 votes of beating ed in a very competitive Senate preliminary that included Rodney Elliott and Terry Ryan. Served on the Council, took some time away and working with Labor, knows this district. He would be a serious candidate, but kids are still young and may decide now isn’t the time. Only 50% chance he runs

Lowell City Councilor Vesna Nuon – Despite what some say (or wish) about him wanting a higher office, I don’t see it, especially with the timing right after re-election. NOT RUNNING is my take.

Lowell City Councilor Erik Gistschier – To be honest, I was surprised that his name came up so frequently so fast. However, when you consider his strong citywide numbers in 2023, his full-time job at the Greater Lowell Tech, where he has dealt with all of these communities except Pepperell I think he would be a very serious challenger. Does he have higher aspirations? Just with the number of people (6) who reached out about him (none of them related to him) makes me think he will at least consider it.  60 % chance he runs

Comment below if I missed anyone?

Killing Speculation: Marcos Candido, the surprisingly successful Highlands City Council Candidate, apparently has some people concerned.

A hot rumor or speculation that was running amok was, does he meet residency requirements if he lived in Baltimore until December of 2024?

He went to school there, stayed for post graduate work and did a graduate internship. Yes, he had an apartment. Many college students do, but he NEVER changed his primary Lowell residence and he in fact voted in the November 2024 Presential race here in Lowell per the Elections office. Kills that speculation for now!

When I reached out to Councilor Descoteaux asking if he’d heard these rumors, he said he had, but dismissed them and didn’t care what people said. He is working hard to beat Candido one on one to continue to serve his district, not winning on a technicality.

Candido is a legitimate strong challenger in what may be an interesting race.