Barton candidacy kickoff attracts political heavyweights

LYNN – A former assistant United States attorney, a congressman, the mayor and four current and former state representatives were among the politicians who attended the kickoff reception for City Council candidate Gordon “Buzzy” Barton.At least five city councilors and six school committee members, as well as prominent political advisers like Lynn attorney and former state Rep. James J. Carrigan, joined the crowd of more than 250 well-wishers at the Porthole Pub restaurant recently.Barton, a retired Lynn firefighter, used the event to officially announce his candidacy for a councilor at large seat in the 2011 municipal election.”Sitting on different boards over the years, I thought I would like to serve the city as a councilor some day,” Barton said. “I started giving it serious thought when I retired as a firefighter. This is the right time.”Barton, 58, said he will rely on his experiences as a lifelong Lynner to advocate for programs and initiatives that will benefit all residents. He cited the community policing program, which has fallen victim to budget cuts, as an example.”I thought that was one of the best things to happen to the city,” the candidate said. “I would be very interested in exploring options to get it back by working with the mayor, councilors and the police chief to identify potential sources of funding.”Barton worked as a Lynn firefighter for 28 years before retiring in 2004. He was named Firefighter of the Year in 1990, Union Man of the Year in 1991 and recipient of the Box 41 Award in 1998. He served on the executive board of Lynn Firefighters Local 739 for 22 years, including four years as president.Barton coached the Lynn English varsity girls basketball team from 1994 to 1998 and has served as the varsity boys coach at English since 2006. That experience has played into his decision to run for public office.”Kids need positive role models,” he said. “We have a lot of good people in this city, and we need more of them to reach out to kids.”