Friend says former Lynn mayor should be home from hospital soon

LYNN – Former Mayor Edward J. Clancy Jr. felt well enough last Saturday following his admission to Salem Hospital to place a bet on the Preakness Stakes, said a longtime friend who said Clancy will leave the hospital soon for his West Lynn home.?He was well enough to bet a few races through a friend for the Preakness. He should be home soon,” said city Personnel Director Joseph Driscoll.Initial reports indicated Clancy, 63, was taken by ambulance from outside the Lynn YMCA on Neptune Boulevard to Salem Hospital last Friday. Clancy?s brother, Jim, and Driscoll declined to disclose the medical problem that required Clancy?s hospitalization.?The family has no comment,” said Jim Clancy.Salem Hospital?s patient condition roster listed Clancy in stable condition on Tuesday afternoon, said hospital spokeswoman Casey Chuy. She declined to discuss additional details about Clancy?s condition but Driscoll said he visited Clancy last weekend.?He?s doing well,” he said.Driscoll did not say how much money – if any – Clancy won on the Maryland horse race.A former City Council member and state representative and senator, Clancy was mayor from 2002 to 2010. The running and exercise enthusiast is known to his friends as a horse racing fan. Clancy resurfaced in local news this year when a Superior Court decision stated the city could seek reimbursement for part of the city tax dollar salary paid to Clancy in excess of the $82,500 a year Mayor Judith Flanagan Kennedy received since 2010.The decision has potential implications for Clancy?s $6,600-a-month city pension with the Retirement Board inviting Clancy by letter to “attend a hearing on May 27 to consider whether your pension should be reduced in light of the decision…”Board Director Gary Brenner said Clancy has not responded to the letter.?He doesn?t have to respond – he can show up,” Brenner said.