Former Lynn pols team up for talk show

LYNN – Former Mayor Albert DiVirgilio and former Councilor at large Paul Crowley might seem an unorthodox pair but apparently they make for great TV.The two have teamed up for City’s Voice, a local cable access show that airs each Wednesday from 7 to 8 p.m. Billed as a live call-in show the focus “is on anything to do with the city of Lynn,” said DiVirgilio.”I’m surprised at how many people watch it,” he added. “People stop me all the time.”The show debuted Sept. 19 with an interview with Acting Department of Public Works Director Manuel Alcantara on a planned street project for Wyoma Square. Crowley said the phones lit up that night with callers asking questions about the project, which was good since they had done little preparation for the inaugural show.They still don’t do a lot of preparation other than getting up to date on a given topic, Crowley added.The show was DiVirgilio’s idea. He said he asked Crowley to be a part of it because his son, Albert DiVirgilio Jr., who served with Crowley on the City Council, always spoke so highly of him.”I always thought a lot of Paul,” he said.DiVirgilio said he likes the idea that they can set the agenda and discuss whatever they want. Recent guests have included Mayoral Chief of Staff and Mayoral Aide Jamie Cerulli and Mary Chalmers-Fountain, respectively, City Clerk Mary Audley, Community Development Director James Marsh and City Council President Timothy Phelan. Wednesday School Committee member Charlie Gallo took the hot seat to speak about school-related issues.The only show similar to City’s Voice is Lou Markakis’ North Shore 100, Crowley said, but Markakis focuses on personalities and families rather than municipal issues. DiVirgilio said he doesn’t want to limit the show to governmental affairs, however, and said future broadcasts might include local restaurant owners, people from Girls Inc. and other local agencies.”As this goes on I’m sure we will have more ideas,” Crowley said. “I like a little controversy now and again too, it gets the phones ringing.””It’s more to provide information,” DiVirgilio added.Crowley, who has announced his intention to run for councilor at large next year, was quick to note that he didn’t plan to use the show as his own personal soap box. DiVirgilio said as the race for council and for mayor heated up he hoped to have all candidates on the show but also noted that Crowley would like to take a step back.Once the election is over, however, Crowley said he will resume his seat because both would like the show to have a long and storied run.Chris Stevens can be reached at [email protected].