PHOTO BY MARK LORENZ
Basil Manias speaks about the mayoral race; “McGee will win,” he predict.
By THOMAS GRILLO
LYNN — For now, most of the city’s elected officials are not ready to take sides on what is expected to be one of the most contentious mayor’s races in recent memory.
On Monday, state Sen. Thomas McGee (D-Lynn) announced plans to seek the corner office in November.
Political observers say the race would pit popular Mayor Judith Flanagan Kennedy, who has often been underestimated, against McGee, whose family name is legendary.
City Councilor-at-Large Brian LaPierre said the senator has strong leadership skills and the ability to bring people together. “Right now that’s paramount,” he said. “He is very well-respected and will be a formidable candidate for mayor.”
Still, LaPierre stopped short of an endorsement.
“I have to focus on what I think is an extreme issue with the city budget and that’s where a lot of my energy will go right now,” he said. “I’m not entering into the McGee/Kennedy race.”
Councilor-at-Large Buzzy Barton said his choice is simple.
“I’m choosing Buzzy Barton for councilor-at-large,” he said. “I have to worry about my own election.”
State Rep. and City Councilor-at-Large Daniel Cahill, who works closely with McGee on Beacon Hill, said the race will be one to watch. But he didn’t choose sides.
“It appears this year’s municipal election will be more active than any recent race,” he said.
Councilor-at-Large Hong Net said he has not made up his mind.
“I don’t know yet to be honest,” he said. “I have to think about it and hear where the candidates stand on the issues.”
Ward 6 City Councilor Peter Capano said it’s too early to choose.
“What’s the rush?” he asked. “Let it settle in with everyone for a bit.”
But state Rep. Brendan Crighton (D- Lynn), who served on McGee’s staff for nearly a decade, said he’s backing his former boss.
“We really need new leadership in the city of Lynn,” he said. “I believe that Tom’s leadership abilities, his vision for the city and his proven track record make him a great candidate for mayor. We have lots of issues that need a strong, hard-working chief executive who can follow through.”
At local restaurants and coffee shops, the talk was all about the race.
James Welsh, a Stop & Shop retiree who was sipping a beer at the Lazy Dog Sports Bar, said while McGee’s name is well-known, Kennedy is popular and has a stronger base of support.
“She seems very well-established and can hold her own,” he said. “I put my money on Kennedy.”
At the Dunkin’ Donuts on Boston Street, Basil Manias, Richard Wall and Theodore Paragios, three old friends, were drinking coffee and talking politics.
“The mayor is doing a fine job, but Tom has a good chance because his father was House Speaker years ago, everyone knows that name,” said Manias. “She’s popular, but with his family name, McGee will win.”
Wall said while Kennedy is doing a great job, the McGee name goes a long way. But he wasn’t so sure the Democrat would win.
“It would be a close race,” he said.
Paragios, the former owner of Brothers Auto Repair, praised McGee and Kennedy and said they were both once customers of his shop.
“They are both good and I like them both,” he said. “I can’t decide.”
Thomas Grillo can be reached at tgrillo@itemlive.com.