Descoteaux launches campaign for council

By Jennifer Myers, jmyers@lowellsun.com

Franky Descoteaux

LOWELL -- Vowing to be knowledgeable about the issues and to "always make decisions for the long-term good of the entire community," Franky Descoteaux officially announced her candidacy for City Council last night at the Mambo Grill, the downtown restaurant she owns with her husband, Matt.

The announcement party packed the restaurant with more than 150 people, including state Sen. Steve Panagiotakos, Lowell National Historical Park Superintendent Michael Creasey, former City Councilor Eileen Donoghue, Attorney Michael Gallagher, City Councilor Jim Milinazzo, Revolving Museum Executive Director Diane Testa, and fellow Council hopefuls Ryan Berard and Paul Belley.

In addition to the Mambo Grill, Descoteaux, 37, owns Humanity, a women's boutique and is half-owner of Monkey's ice cream.

Matt Descoteaux said people have asked him how his wife will find the time to be a councilor, with three businesses, two kids and one husband to juggle.

"A friend told me that if you really want something to get done, give it to somebody who is busy," he said. "This will be a campaign of positivity, growth and partnership, all traits embodied by Franky in everything she does."

Franky Descoteaux said she was helping Dick Rourke prepare for the opening of his new wine and cheese shop, Tutto Bene, recently and "in that moment I understood why I am running for City Council."

"Despite all of the negative things going on in this city, financial struggles, political struggles, people like Dick are opening businesses, investing in the city, buying homes, advocating for children," she said. "No matter what happens in the city it seems you all give back. I am running to give back as a thoughtful, positive councilor."

For more information about Franky Descoteaux's campaign visit www.frankyforlowell.com.

The city election is Nov. 3.

This story appeared in the Lowell Sun on Wednesday, June 24, 2009