LYNN — Lynn School Committee member Michael Satterwhite hosted a virtual party on Monday night to kick off his campaign for mayor.
Satterwhite announced his intention to run for the corner office in March — shortly after Mayor Thomas M. McGee said he would not be seeking re-election — citing plans to improve on affordable housing, race relations, public safety and the establishment of community programs.
During his campaign kickoff, Satterwhite said he “spoke from the heart” about how his knowledge, background and experience can improve the everyday lives of Lynn residents.
“Lynn is my home and has been my home,” he said. “We should never forget that Lynn is home to many people, and their voices must be heard as well. With the support of many Lynn residents, and the addition of Franco Valverde to the team as the director of operations for the campaign, and our many advisors, the campaign has made a successful launch.”
Family and friends of Satterwhite gathered with him at his campaign headquarters at 125 Lynnfield St. — which once housed the former Dock125 and Haywards restaurants — for food, drinks and conversations regarding the candidate’s qualifications and goals.
Satterwhite sat down with family members while he spoke with community members over Zoom, answering questions and providing background information about his involvement in the City of Lynn.
Satterwhite’s wife, Andrea, said her husband, if elected mayor, would be a wonderful asset to the community.
“We are very excited about this. It’s super busy but I think in the end, it’ll all be worth it,” she said. “We’re all rooting for him.”
She said they have a great support system that has been very encouraging, especially with their younger son chanting “vote for daddy.”
Satterwhite came home one day and told Andrea that he was going to run for mayor and she said since then, they have been so excited and “all in.”
“I think he’s a great candidate,” she said. “He’s a great guy, a great father, and balances everything out so wonderfully. He’s such a hard worker and I definitely think that he’ll be able to balance everything and be great for the community.”
Andrea’s mother, Beth Wall, said she loves her son-in-law and that she was so excited to be with him Monday to kick off his campaign.
“I will tell you that my son-in-law is amazing,” Wall said. “He is so people-oriented. That’s his passion. His passion is to always do whatever he can for people.”
Wall said she has a wonderful relationship with Satterwhite and she thinks he will bring a lot of good to the community.
The Zoom campaign launch included Satterwhite’s longtime friend, Susan Wornick — a former investigative reporter and anchor for WCVB-TV — who kicked off the night with her endorsement and support for the candidate, complimenting his achievements and work ethic.
Wornick said she has known Satterwhite for about 25 years, explaining that she first met him when he was volunteering with seniors through the faith-based nonprofit, Volunteers of America.
“We’ve stayed in touch all these years and I am incredibly proud of him. I will always offer to help him in any way I can,” she said. “Michael has the compassion of a person who’s experienced tremendous challenges and overcomes each with grace, gratitude and a unique ability to connect to people, their issues, concerns and problems.”
Wornick said Satterwhite is a strong advocate for those who need guidance and help, and believes he would be a great mayor for all Lynn residents and families.
“I may move there so I can vote for him myself,” she joked.
Satterwhite brought his parents, Melvin Sr. and Eileen Satterwhite, onto the Zoom panel where they also acknowledged his hard work and lifelong dedication to volunteering.
Eileen said Satterwhite always gets the job done.
“He works hard and he cares about the underdog. He’s always been like that,” she said. “I think he’ll do a great job no matter what it is.”
Satterwhite said that when he was younger, he received a citizenship and community award. With pride, he said his parents have always considered him to be a go-getter.
Satterwhite’s older sister, Jessica Beal, said the campaign has been exciting and nerve-wracking so far, but she was looking forward to seeing what the next few months have in store.
Beal said she thinks her brother would bring a lot to the community, including positive work with homeless shelters and local youth.
“He is very charismatic, caring and a great father,” Beal said. “He’s very caring and his work ethic is amazing so he’s really going to go hard for the city.”
Lenny Pena, Satterwhite’s cousin — who is running for a seat on the Lynn School Committee — was in attendance and said he has been watching Satterwhite’s success for a while. Pena praised him for his dedication and support for the community.
“He’s a great guy,” he said. “I think he’s going to make some direct impact changes in the community. He would bring a lot of great changes.”
Pena said he is looking forward to a great race with the other mayoral candidates, City Council President Darren Cyr and School Committee member Jared Nicholson, both of whom he also considers to be “great guys.”
Nicholson is planning his kickoff event virtually on May 12 and Cyr is planning to host his event on May 22 at his headquarters on Andrew Street.
Allysha Dunnigan can be reached at [email protected].
