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By Rebecca Smith '99
Bill Martin ’83 attributes much of his success in life to lessons he learned at Holy Cross. Above all, he values the Jesuit model of service to others that was instilled in him at the College. And in his current role as mayor of Lowell, Mass., he endeavors to follow that ideal as he works to improve the lives of fellow residents.
After practicing law for several years in Boston, Martin returned to his hometown of Lowell to start his own firm. It was in the process of getting re-engaged in his community that he decided to run for office.
“I wanted to pursue a more integrated life,” he recalls. “I wanted a chance to contribute to the community where I lived and worked.”
Martin first became involved in politics as a member of Lowell’s City Council in 2000. Six years later, the council elected him mayor and chairman of the council and school committee. He was inaugurated on Jan. 3.
The day after he took office, Martin faced his first big challenge: the city’s popular Lock Monsters hockey team announced that it was going to be sold. In response, the mayor has been leading residents in an enthusiastic season ticket drive that, if successful, will ensure that the team remains in Lowell.
In addition to preserving hockey, Martin cites as his top priority two urban renewal plans: one, to revitalize the city’s famous immigrant neighborhood, “the Acre,” and, the other, to encourage high-density development around the Lowell’s transportation centers.
Considered the birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution, Lowell was a thriving manufacturing center in the 19th century, attracting many immigrants and migrant workers to its textile mills. Its industrial decline led to hard times, but the city has recently begun to rebound.
“Over the last 20 years, Lowell has undergone an exciting revitalization,” says Martin. “And I figure, if I’m going to live here, I’m going to be a part of it.”
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