To the Editor:
Buzzy Barton was first elected by members of the Lynn Retirement System to a seat on the Lynn Retirement Board in December of 2004. He was then elected to six more three-year terms by either winning a lopsided election or running unopposed. As board Chairman Michael Marks remarked, to say Buzzy was a conscientious board member is an understatement — the only meeting he ever missed was two weeks ago when he was in the hospital.
The Lynn Retirement Board serves the members of the City of Lynn Retirement System who include employees, retirees, and beneficiaries of the City of Lynn, the Lynn Housing Authority, and the Lynn Water and Sewer Commission.
The board is charged with administering the funds and benefits of the active and retired members of the system as mandated by state law.
Besides being on the Lynn Retirement Board, Buzzy was elected last September to the Executive Board of the Retired State, County, and Municipal Employees Association as vice president of the Northern District. He also served on the Executive Board of the Lynn Retirees Organization, and has been a member and major contributor of the Massachusetts Association of Contributory Retirement systems.
As his opinion was always respected on the City Council, the same held true whenever he spoke at retirement meetings. He was a champion of pushing for retiree benefits, including veteran allowances, increased survivor benefits, and continually voting to grant consecutive cost of living allowances. He was instrumental in raising the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) base from $12,000 to $15,000.
Lynn Retirement Board Chairman Michael Marks stated that the board’s assets in 2004 when Buzzy was elected nearly totaled $177 million and now the assets are nearly $500 million.
Board member Richard Biagiotti, who served on the fire department with Buzzy, told him that he was thinking of running for a position on the Executive Board of the Massachusetts Association of Contributory Retirement Systems. Buzzy encouraged him and helped him get elected with ease. Rich commented on how lucky he was to have him in his corner, just like when they fought fires together — he felt so much more confident.
Board member Frank Valeri, who is also the president of the Massachusetts Retirees Association, relied on Buzzy’s knowledge and opinions on many retirement issues. He stated that Buzzy was not only a huge asset to the Lynn Board but to the Mass Retirees as well.
Board member and City Comptroller, Stephen Spencer always appreciated Buzzy’s candor and humor and his continuous backing for retiree benefits.
Buzzy was also very supportive of the office staff — myself and my assistant Wilson Marques. Through the years we became close friends which was a blessing to us.
As he always would say, “I have your back”. And he always did. Not only in the office, but anywhere, anytime — that was Buzzy Barton — he will be greatly missed by the Retirement Organizations, the many retirees that he touched, and by us all.
Rest in Peace Dear Friend,
Gary Brenner
Executive Director
Lynn Retirement Board
