This morning’s announcement by Erik Gitschier that he will seek election as an At Large City Councilor instead of re-election to the District 8 seat he currently holds already has the neighborhood political waters flowing with a number of recognizable names interested in stepping up to fill that seat.
Ty Chum, who opposed Gitschier in the first-ever Upper Highlands district election back in 2021 tells me he “definitely running now that Erik is not seeking re-election.” Chum indicated he had no intention of challenging the incumbent who he says “has been doing a very good job representing the district,” but that this morning’s news changed things for him.
Inside sources tell me two other familiar names are considering throwing their hat in the ring on the heels of Gitschier’s decision.
John Descoteaux, Transportation Director for Lowell Public Schools and part of a well-known Lowell political family, did not respond when asked for comment, but is “definitely interested and giving it serious thought” according to a source familiar with his thinking.
Descoteaux is also a long-time member and Chairman of the Lowell License Commission and Treasurer of Team Micky Ward Charities. Descoteaux would instantly become one of the favorites if he decides to enter the race.
The other familiar name to watch is that of longtime Board of Health Chair, JoAnn Keegan. Keegan, the daughter of former Lowell City Manager and State Senator, Joe Tully.
Keegan was most recently tapped in 2021 by then City Manager Eileen Donoghue to oversee the city’s pandemic response and vaccine rollout efforts.
Other names are also likely to be bandied about in the coming days and weeks as potential entrants into the District 8 race.
Meanwhile, Gitschier’s decision has yet to create any ripples on the at-large race, though the potential is definitely there.
Former City Councilor Corey Belanger, who’s been weighing a campaign, tells us while he’s leaning against running again, “but the door is still open.” Another former Councilor, Bill Samaras, simply replied “no” when asked whether Gitschier’s decision affects his.
District 2 (Centralville) Councilor Corey Robinson, who like Gitschier was also weighing the pros and cons of a district vs. city-wide run, replied “I’m still considering it” when asked whether anything has changed for him after this morning’s news.
As always, stay with InsideLowell for the latest Mill City political developments in what is suddenly shaping up as a more intriguing election year than previously thought.
