Gordon “Buzzy” Barton, one of this city’s most popular and durable public figures, officially announced his candidacy for an at-large city council seat last week at the Port Hole Pub.
Before a throng of supporters and friends, Barton said he had been thinking about running for quite some time.
“This is the right time,” he said.
Crowd estimates topped 250 according to Lynn political aficionados – as true a show of force as could be gathered for a first out city council aspirant.
Barton, 58, was joined by a host of prominent politicians and businesspeople including his long time friend Wayne Budd, a former assistant United States attorney and one of Boston’s most powerful business people.
A retired Lynn firefighter who is the English High School basketball coach will be running for an at-large seat in the 2011 municipal election.
His candidacy has spawned a great deal of interest throughout the city, as he is among the best known public figures in the city.
His support for Mayor Judith Flanagan-Kennedy helped her to toss from office former Mayor Chip Clancy.
It is believed Barton’s support for Flanagan-Kennedy gave him the resolve he needed to seek public office.
Barton was a Lynn firefighter for 28 years. He retired in 2004.
He has coached boys basketball at English since 2006.
He coached the varsity girls at English in basketball from 1994-1998.
He is expected to run a strong, well financed campaign.