What's Happening in Lowell, MA…

Massachusetts state Senator Eileen Donoghue was recently sworn in as the city manager of Lowell.

A former mayor of the city, she is the first woman to serve in the manager's position. Donoghue was hired by the city council, which approved her hiring unanimously, but there was some discussion over the contract under which she was hired. The city council finally approved the agreement in an 8-1 vote. The former manager, Kevin Murphy, held the position under a memorandum of understanding rather than a contract.

Under the agreement, Donoghue will serve for a guaranteed period of four years, though she has no guaranteed pay increases or severance package, and there is no option for anyone to buy back unused sick leave.

The one person who voted against the contract was Rodney Elliott, a city councilor, who said he has every confidence in Donoghue's ability, and does not see why a contract is even necessary. He pointed out that most heads of city departments do not have contracts, adding that as long as Donoghue performs her duties well, her position is secure.

However, William Samaras, Lowell's mayor, said the contract would assure businesses that the manager will be in the position for a stated period of time, and that she will remain even when the new city council takes office in 2020.

Changes like this are important to community members, so officials might work with a flyer printing company to create an update letter for residents.