City Council-Joint Convention Meeting Summary for January 21, 2026

This meeting was a joint convention of the New Bedford City Council and School Committee, convened to address a vacancy on the School Committee following the passing of member Roosevelt. The session, chaired by Mayor John F. Mitchell, focused on voting to fill the remaining seat after a previous meeting on October 7th failed to produce a winner. The attendance record reflects seventeen members present. The proceedings concluded with the election and swearing-in of Brad Markey, followed by a brief statement of concern from Councilor Brian K. Gomes regarding the divisiveness of the selection process.

Consent Calendar

• No formal consent calendar items were listed in the transcript; routine procedural motions were handled directly under discussion items.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Henry G. Bousquet: Submitted a letter for the record resigning his candidacy from the race. In his letter, Bousquet expressed that the community deserves a candidate who understands the roles of education professionals and fiduciary oversight. He stated the process had shifted away from what is best for the school department, characterizing it as potentially influenced by political affiliation rather than merit. He emphasized that "Real diversity and inclusion starts with the idea" of honoring diversity of thought. He expressed an unwavering commitment to advocacy for children and families despite leaving the nomination. The Mayor accepted the letter into the record.

Discussion Items

• Nomination Process Overview: Mayor Mitchell outlined the history of the vacancy, noting that eight candidates were qualified initially, five were nominated, and after multiple rounds of voting, no candidate secured the requisite nine votes. The convention recessed to this date to consider four remaining nominees: Lee Blake, Henry Bousquet, Marcus Coward, and Brad Markey.
• Resignation of Henry Bousquet: Following the reading of Bousquet's resignation letter, it was confirmed that three nominees remained: Lee Blake, Marcus Coward, and Brad Markey.
• Balloting and Election Results: A ballot was conducted. The vote tally resulted in Brad Markey receiving nine votes and Marcus Coward receiving eight votes. Brad Markey was declared elected as he met the requisite nine votes under the rules of the convention.
• Swearing-In Ceremony: Brad Markey was sworn in as a member of the New Bedford School Committee, promising to "faithfully and impartially" serve in accordance with the laws, the Constitution of the United States, and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Markey was present behind the scene for the administration of the oath.
• Statement of Dissent: Councilor Brian K. Gomes, after the vote, addressed the assembly. He expressed that he was "not happy with the process" and "not happy with the separation" the election caused in the community. Gomes stated, "This one got into the part where we're separating people, and people are angry," contrasting it with two previous smooth transitions he experienced. He expressed specific concern regarding the treatment of Henry Bosquet (Bousquet) and Marcus Coward, arguing that elected officials should have questioned the candidates directly before voting. He urged the body to "stand in sincerity with our community" and try to "keep both sides in tune" after the adjournment.

Key Outcomes

• Election Result: Brad Markey was elected to the New Bedford School Committee, receiving exactly nine votes. Marcus Coward received eight votes; Lee Blake received unlisted votes (implied zero or fewer than eight).
• Resignation: Henry G. Bousquet officially withdrew from the nomination process via a formal letter.
• Sworn In: Brad Markey was administered the oath of office and officially seated as the new School Committee member.
• Adjournment: The joint convention was adjourned unanimously (all those in favor said "aye", none opposed) following the swearing-in and Councilor Gomes' statement.