Not more than a minute after Danny Rourke sent shockwaves through Lowell’s political bubble by announcing his resignation from the Lowell City Council at the end of Tuesday night’s lengthy meeting, this reporter’s phone had already blown up with messages from stunned observers.
By the time we posted our first story about the former Mayor’s departure on social media, followed by the publication of our first story on InsideLowell.com some 25-minutes later, speculation had already turned to who would run in a special election to replace him as the District 1 (Pawtucketville) representative.
In that story, we speculated about three well-known names to keep an eye on; Ray Boutin, Rodney Elliott and Danielle McFadden.
It didn’t take long for Boutin to end the suspense. The former Greater Lowell Regional Technical High School Committee member, who had previously told InsideLowell he would be very interested in running in 2027 if his friend Rourke decided not to seek re-election, made it clear in a text response just before midnight that he would be throwing his hat into the ring.
“First, I’d like to thank Danny Rourke for his years of service to Pawtucketville and the city,” Boutin said. “I had always said I would never run against him, but would love to serve if he decided not to seek re-election at any point in the future. His resignation just moved up my timeline and I will begin the process of organizing my campaign tomorrow (Wednesday) morning.”
Contacted early Wednesday morning, former Mayor, City Councilor and State Representative Rodney Elliott said he is surprised by the sudden departure, but has spoken with his family and will be running for the open seat.
“I love this city and the neighborhood that helped shape who I am today,” Elliott told InsideLowell. “I will bring my professional experience in public finance that has taught me the importance of protecting taxpayer dollars and ensuring that government operates with transparency and accountability.”
“As someone who has previously served as a City Councilor, I understand the needs of Pawtucketville and the city at large,” Elliott continued. “The relationships I have forged over the years of public service will allow me to hit the ground running.”
McFadden, who is currently serving her first term as an At-Large Lowell School Committee member, indicated a council run would be a consideration in the future, but not at this point.
“Danny Rourke has done a tremendous job representing the City of Lowell, and Pawtucketville in particular,” she wrote via text. “I’ve been lucky to have him represent me and my family, and even luckier to call him a friend. He has been a dedicated City Councilor, a wonderful Mayor, and someone who has given so much of himself to our community. I’m grateful for his many years of service, and whoever succeeds him will certainly have big shoes to fill.”
“While I’ve been open about the possibility of running for City Council someday, this isn’t the right time and I will not seek the vacant seat,” McFadden continues. “I’m honored to serve Lowell as an At-Large Committee member and I’m committed to the important work ahead for our students and schools. I won’t rule out a future run for City Council, but for now, my focus is on serving our students, our schools and the people who elected me.”
It’s likely other names will emerge, or at least consider the position, as the process plays out these next few months.
Under a Home Rule Petition approved by the Massachusetts legislature in July of 2024, following John Leahy’s resignation from the council, a special election must be called within 120 days of the seat officially being declared vacant if that vacancy occurs in the first year of the term.
With Rourke’s departure falling within that first-year timeline, that gives the city until about January 20, 2027, to hold a special election to fill the seat.
10 responses to “Speculation Turns to Who Replaces Rourke”
Please, enough of Rodney Elliott.
Folks, this is easy, All the Way with “Real Estate Ray”!
I think it’s time someone from a younger generation steps up .
Right On
“this reporters phone” – Jesus Teddy, you are morphing into Melanie Gilbert!
I have to say that there will never be another dan Rourke. He has helped Pawtucketville multiple times and always with a smile. I hope dan decides to come back. He kept everything in check.
We NEED new, fresh candidates! I want a name I’ve never heard before. NOT Hot Rod is nothing but a hot air balloon filled with toxic gas!
Listening to Mr. Ray Boutin (aka “Real Estate Ray”) the CANDIDATE, by WCAP radio Host Mr. Jose Cervantes this morning, he came across as very strong, disciplined, knowledgeable, and most definitely, his own man with a lot common sense! EXACTLY what the city council needs.
Also, that was a very nice tribute to former MAYOR Dan Rourke, his wife April and children Haley & Zachary.
“Lowell ma”, so now you are saying we elect someone purely because they are “young”? WOW, this is now the latest version of “identity politics” because it essentially treats youth as a forced DEI category. Let’s call your comment what it actually is, a sarcastic, dismissive slam meant to disqualify an experienced merit-based candidate purely based on their age.
“Lowell ma”, guess what, being under a certain age is a demographic trait, not a qualification! You are basically turning a very important city council seat into a participation trophy, which completely undermines the concept of merit!
former MAYOR Dan Rourke’s sudden resignation leaves a massive gap on the city council and in District 1, so Pawtucketville and the city don’t have the time to waste on on-the-job training or an entry-level internship for a token demographic hire based solely on age. We need to stop treating local, state or national government like a checklist for age quotas or anything else for that matter.
PLEASE, let’s look at actual credentials and respectful temperament, not a DEI checklist or someone who just needs a job!
I fully understand that since the city council vacancy occurred in the first year of the term, a special election must be held within 120 days of the vacancy. While I feel that a special election ensures the voters have the ultimate democratic say, I also feel leaving the Pawtucketville District seat completely and entirely vacant for up to 120 days creates a massive gap in active resident representation, which is NOT democratic.
Lowell is the 5th largest city in the Commonwealth, four months is a long time to go without advocacy, representation and a vote, especially now when the council is facing split votes on critical issues like the Flock camera policy, city budgets, and district infrastructure, etc. An appointment would protect the Pawtucketville citizens neighborhood’s voting power immediately while the city prepares for the next election.
Moving forward constructively and democratically means ensuring NO district is left on the sidelines and unrepresented when important decisions and votes are happening.