LYNN — Following Councilor-at-Large Gordon “Buzzy” Barton’s death Wednesday, North Shore Juneteenth Association President and founder Nicole McClain will fill his vacant seat.
According to the Lynn City Charter, if a vacancy occurs less than 18 months after the beginning of a councilor-at-large’s term, it must be filled by the losing candidate who earned the most votes in the previous election, provided they accept the appointment.
Barton, who was also council vice president, was last re-elected 15 months ago in November 2021, when he won 5,816 votes — the most in the race. Four at-large spots were available in that election. McClain came in fifth, receiving 3,964 votes, behind Councilor-at-Large Brian Field who received 5,274.
In an interview Thursday, McClain confirmed she would accept the position. As a racial justice advocate, she said that she would be honored and humbled to carry on the Barton family’s legacy.
Barton’s mother, Virginia Barton, was a civil rights leader who served as president of the NAACP’s North Shore branch and co-founded the Community Minority Cultural Center. She advocated for literacy programs such as the federal Title I program, which provides financial assistance to schools with a high number of low-income students.
“His long years of service are commendable and admirable,” McClain said. “I respect all that he’s done for the city, and I have to also say that I admire his mom very, very much and the legacy that she left. Virginia Barton is someone that I definitely have come to look up to.”
According to City Attorney Jim Lamanna, McClain’s appointment will likely occur sometime within the next two weeks.
McClain said that she is ready to serve all Lynn residents and follow in the late councilor’s footsteps.
“I want to send my condolences to his family,” McClain said. “Rest in power, Buzzy.”
