About Lowell’s Plan E Form of Government

Move Lowell Forward PAC supports professional city management. This is in keeping with the spirit of the Plan E type of charter that Lowell is incorporated under. The intent of a Plan E form of government (a City Council with a city manager) is to take some of the politics out of the management of the city – because introducing politics into the day to day operations of a city is a destabilizing influence.

Previous Lowell City Councils have had a history of appointing unprepared politicians to the position. As a result, we have a past littered with CMs who have been unable to perform their duties, some who have been convicted, and many who have played politics with their position of power.

Other cities and towns in Massachusetts have faired very well under professional City or Town Managers who have a strong background in the field. Many have stayed in their respective position for years or decades. This creates a stable environment for planned economic development, budgets and union negotiations, and for delivery of services to residents. We believe the residents of Lowell deserve similar consideration when our City Council is hiring or supervising the one person who has the most influence in the day to day management of the city.