MassVoter.com← Lowell City Council
Lowell Councilor
Sean McDonough
District 4 · 1 term in this record
A monthly email on how they voted, starting in November.
Record at a glance · 2026–2027 Council
On split votes, McDonough voted the same way as…
- Sidney L. Liang79% (22 of 28)
- Corey Robinson64% (18 of 28)
- Erik R. Gitschier62% (16 of 26)
- Belinda M. Juran41% (11 of 27)
- Vesna Nuon38% (10 of 26)
- Rita Mercier33% (8 of 24)
- Daniel P. Rourke32% (9 of 28)
- Kimberly Scott32% (9 of 28)
- Sokhary Chau29% (8 of 28)
- John Descoteaux21% (6 of 28)
How these numbers work
- Counted from the official minutes, for 2026–2027 Council only. Committee meetings and routine votes (adjourning, approving minutes) are not counted.
- Attendance counts the meetings where the minutes list McDonough as present or absent at the start.
- Only votes the minutes record member by member are counted. Voice votes and votes given only as a count (for example 6-3 with no names) are not.
- Percentages are shown only when there are at least 10 meetings or votes to count.
- A split vote is one where at least one member voted yes and another voted no. “In the minority” means on the side with fewer votes; ties are not counted.
- “Whole council” combines every member’s record for the same term.
These numbers describe the record; they are not a grade. A no vote, an abstention or a minority vote is neither good nor bad. MassVoter never rates officials.
In the news
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Attendance
At the start of 28 of 28 City Council meetings in 2026–2027 Council.
Missed none.
Every meeting (28)
- Aug 25, 2026 · Regular: Present (Sean McDonough recused from the vote on: Request: City Auditor work with the school department on finding a creative way to pay school employees.)
- Aug 11, 2026 · Regular: Present
- Jul 28, 2026 · Regular: Present
- Jul 14, 2026 · Regular: Present
- Jun 30, 2026 · Regular: Present
- Jun 16, 2026 · Regular: Present
- Jun 2, 2026 · Regular: Present
- May 26, 2026 · Regular: Present
- May 19, 2026 · Regular: Present
- May 12, 2026 · Regular: Present
- May 5, 2026 · Regular: Present
- Apr 28, 2026 · Regular: Present
- Apr 21, 2026 · Regular: Present
- Apr 14, 2026 · Regular: Present
- Apr 7, 2026 · Regular: Present
- Mar 31, 2026 · Regular: Present
- Mar 24, 2026 · Regular: Present
- Mar 10, 2026 · Regular: Present
- Mar 3, 2026 · Regular: Present
- Feb 24, 2026 · Regular: Present
- Feb 17, 2026 · Regular: Present (Sean McDonough recused from the vote on: Vote – Accept MGL c.40 s.71 - School Bus Violation Detection Monitoring. Speaking in favor Michael Gorman.; Sean McDonough recused from the vote on: Ordinance - Amend Chap 222.24 - School Bus Violation.; Sean McDonough recused from the vote on: Informational Reports Informational Report – SS4A. Ms. Oltman, Transportation Engineer noted over the past.; Sean McDonough recused from the vote on: Vote - Establish School Bus Violation Stabilization Fund.; Sean McDonough recused from the vote on: Vote - Apply/Accept/Expend $250k MA Office of Disability Grant.)
- Feb 10, 2026 · Regular: Present
- Feb 3, 2026 · Regular: Present
- Jan 27, 2026 · Regular: Present (Sean McDonough recused from the vote on: Ask the City Manager to have the proper department provide a draft home rule petition allowing the City to.)
- Jan 20, 2026 · Regular: Present (Sean McDonough recused from the vote on: Loan Order - Amend High School Project.)
- Jan 13, 2026 · Regular: Present
- Jan 6, 2026 · Regular: Present
- Jan 5, 2026 · Special: Present
Votes where councilors disagreed · 2026–2027 Council
Aug 25Motion: Ask the City Manager to determine the feasibility…Motion: In City Council, seconded by C. Liang, Denied per roll call…Failed 2–9 · McDonough: Yes
August 25, 2026: Motion: Ask the City Manager to determine the feasibility of, and at his discretion take, legal action, including the right of to appeal under MGL...
In City Council, seconded by C. Liang, Denied per roll call vote, 2 yeas (C. Liang, C. McDonough) 9 nays (C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, M. Gitschier, C. Juran, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Rourke, C. Scott). So voted.
Voted: Yes
Yes: Liang, McDonoughNo: Chau, Descoteaux, Gitschier, Juran, Mercier, Nuon, Robinson, Rourke, Scott
From the minutes
“In City Council, seconded by C. Liang, Denied per roll call vote, 2 yeas (C. Liang, C. McDonough) 9 nays (C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, M. Gitschier, C. Juran, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Rourke, C. Scott). So voted..” (Motion: McDonough, second: Liang)
Aug 25Have Auditor alter the pay period for this time…Motion: Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Mercier to have Auditor…Passed 9–0 · McDonough: Not recorded
August 25, 2026: Have Auditor alter the pay period for this time of year regarding school employees
Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Mercier to have Auditor alter the pay period for this time of year regarding school employees. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas (C. Chau, M. Gitschier, C. Juran, C. Liang, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Rourke, C. Scott), 2 recuse (C. Descoteaux, C. McDonough). So voted.
Yes: Chau, Gitschier, Juran, Liang, Mercier, Nuon, Robinson, Rourke, ScottJohn Descoteaux and Sean McDonough recused and are left out of this vote.
From the minutes
“Motion by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Mercier to have Auditor alter the pay period for this time of year regarding school employees. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas (C. Chau, M. Gitschier, C. Juran, C. Liang, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Rourke, C. Scott), 2 recuse (C. Descoteaux, C. McDonough). So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Mercier)
Aug 25Adopt: Vote - Transfer $251,268.75 - Supplemental Appropriation (HHS…Motion: Motion “To Adopt” by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Rourke. Adopted…Passed 10–1 · McDonough: Yes
August 25, 2026: Adopt: Vote - Transfer $251,268.75 - Supplemental Appropriation (HHS Lease)
Motion “To Adopt” by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Rourke. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Juran, C. Liang, C. McDonough, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Rourke, C. Scott) 1 nay (M. Gitschier). So voted.
Voted: Yes
Yes: Chau, Descoteaux, Juran, Liang, McDonough, Mercier, Nuon, Robinson, Rourke, ScottNo: Gitschier
From the minutes
“Motion “To Adopt” by C. Robinson, seconded by C. Rourke. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Juran, C. Liang, C. McDonough, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Rourke, C. Scott) 1 nay (M. Gitschier). So voted..” (Motion: Robinson, second: Rourke)
Jul 28Adopt: Vote - Accept Deed - 161 Totman StreetMotion: Motion “To Adopt” by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Scott. Adopted…Passed 10–0 · McDonough: Yes
July 28, 2026: Adopt: Vote - Accept Deed - 161 Totman Street
Motion “To Adopt” by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Scott. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, M. Gitschier, C. Juran, C. Liang, C. McDonough, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Rourke, C. Scott), 1 absent (C. Robinson). So voted.
Voted: Yes
Yes: Chau, Descoteaux, Gitschier, Juran, Liang, McDonough, Mercier, Nuon, Rourke, ScottThe roll call lists Corey Robinson as absent for this vote; left out of it.
From the minutes
“Motion “To Adopt” by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Scott. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, M. Gitschier, C. Juran, C. Liang, C. McDonough, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Rourke, C. Scott), 1 absent (C. Robinson). So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Scott)
Jul 28Adopt: Vote - Designate LHS Wrestling Room as Polling…Motion: Motion “To Adopt” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Juran. Adopted…Passed 10–0 · McDonough: Yes
July 28, 2026: Adopt: Vote - Designate LHS Wrestling Room as Polling Location
Motion “To Adopt” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Juran. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, M. Gitschier, C. Juran, C. Liang, C. McDonough, C. Mercier, C. Robinson, C. Rourke, C. Scott) 1 absent (C. Nuon). So voted.
Voted: Yes
Yes: Chau, Descoteaux, Gitschier, Juran, Liang, McDonough, Mercier, Robinson, Rourke, ScottThe roll call lists Vesna Nuon as absent for this vote; left out of it.
From the minutes
“Motion “To Adopt” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Juran. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, M. Gitschier, C. Juran, C. Liang, C. McDonough, C. Mercier, C. Robinson, C. Rourke, C. Scott) 1 absent (C. Nuon). So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Juran)
Jul 28Adopt: Vote - Transfer $249,708 - Supplemental Appropriation (HHS…Motion: Motion “To Adopt” by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Scott. DENIED…Failed 7–4 · McDonough: No
July 28, 2026: Adopt: Vote - Transfer $249,708 - Supplemental Appropriation (HHS Lease)
Motion “To Adopt” by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Scott. DENIED per Roll Call vote 7 yeas (C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Juran, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Rourke, C. Scott) 4 nays (M. Gitschier, C. Liang, C. McDonough, C. Robinson). So voted.
Voted: No
Yes: Chau, Descoteaux, Juran, Mercier, Nuon, Rourke, ScottNo: Gitschier, Liang, McDonough, RobinsonThe minutes record this as failing with more yeas than nays (7 to 4); some council votes need a two-thirds majority (for example borrowing, appropriations or zoning). MassVoter shows the result as the minutes record it.
From the minutes
“Motion “To Adopt” by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Scott. DENIED per Roll Call vote 7 yeas (C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Juran, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Rourke, C. Scott) 4 nays (M. Gitschier, C. Liang, C. McDonough, C. Robinson). So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Scott)
Jul 14Adopt: Vote - Authorize CM to File Special Legislation…Motion: Motion “To Adopt” by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Robinson. Adopted…Passed 8–1 · McDonough: Yes
July 14, 2026: Adopt: Vote - Authorize CM to File Special Legislation - Vincent Fernandez
Motion “To Adopt” by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Robinson. Adopted per Roll Call vote 8 yeas (C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Liang, C. McDonough, C. Mercier, C. Robinson, C. Rourke, C. Scott), 2 abstain (C. Juran, C. Nuon), 1 nay (M. Gitschier). So voted.
Voted: Yes
Yes: Chau, Descoteaux, Liang, McDonough, Mercier, Robinson, Rourke, ScottNo: GitschierAbstained: Juran, NuonBelinda M. Juran and Vesna Nuon abstained or voted present (shown as present, not voting).
From the minutes
“Motion “To Adopt” by C. Rourke, seconded by C. Robinson. Adopted per Roll Call vote 8 yeas (C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Liang, C. McDonough, C. Mercier, C. Robinson, C. Rourke, C. Scott), 2 abstain (C. Juran, C. Nuon), 1 nay (M. Gitschier). So voted..” (Motion: Rourke, second: Robinson)
Jul 14Approve: Vote - Confirm Executive Session Vote for Smith…Motion: Motion “To Adopt” by C. Scott, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted…Passed 10–0 · McDonough: Yes
July 14, 2026: Approve: Vote - Confirm Executive Session Vote for Smith Baker Center
Motion “To Adopt” by C. Scott, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, M. Gitschier, C. Liang, C. McDonough, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Rourke, C. Scott), 1 abstain (C. Juran). So voted.
Voted: Yes
Yes: Chau, Descoteaux, Gitschier, Liang, McDonough, Mercier, Nuon, Robinson, Rourke, ScottAbstained: JuranBelinda M. Juran abstained or voted present (shown as present, not voting).
From the minutes
“Motion “To Adopt” by C. Scott, seconded by C. Mercier. Adopted per Roll Call vote 10 yeas (C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, M. Gitschier, C. Liang, C. McDonough, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Robinson, C. Rourke, C. Scott), 1 abstain (C. Juran). So voted..” (Motion: Scott, second: Mercier)
Jun 30Motion: Ask the City Manager to have the proper…Motion: In City Council, no second needed, Motion failed 4 yeas (C.…Failed 4–7 · McDonough: Yes
June 30, 2026: Motion: Ask the City Manager to have the proper department take the necessary steps to place the Lowell Fire Chief position back into Civil...
In City Council, no second needed, Motion failed 4 yeas (C. Liang, M. Gitschier, C. McDonough, C. Robinson), 7 nays (C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Juran, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Rourke, C. Scott). So voted.
Voted: Yes
Yes: Gitschier, Liang, McDonough, RobinsonNo: Chau, Descoteaux, Juran, Mercier, Nuon, Rourke, ScottFiled by Corey Robinson, Erik R. Gitschier and Sean McDonough; Corey Robinson is shown as mover.
From the minutes
“In City Council, no second needed, Motion failed 4 yeas (C. Liang, M. Gitschier, C. McDonough, C. Robinson), 7 nays (C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, C. Juran, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Rourke, C. Scott). So voted..” (Motion: Robinson)
Jun 30Adopt: Vote - Accept/ Expend $28k Jail/Arrest Diversion Program…Motion: Motion “To Adopt” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted…Passed 9–0 · McDonough: Yes
June 30, 2026: Adopt: Vote - Accept/ Expend $28k Jail/Arrest Diversion Program Grant
Motion “To Adopt” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas (C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, M. Gitschier, C. Juran, C. Liang, C. McDonough, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Scott), 2 absent (C. Robinson, C. Rourke). So voted.
Voted: Yes
Yes: Chau, Descoteaux, Gitschier, Juran, Liang, McDonough, Mercier, Nuon, ScottThe roll call lists Corey Robinson and Daniel P. Rourke as absent for this vote; left out of it.
From the minutes
“Motion “To Adopt” by C. Mercier, seconded by C. Nuon. Adopted per Roll Call vote 9 yeas (C. Chau, C. Descoteaux, M. Gitschier, C. Juran, C. Liang, C. McDonough, C. Mercier, C. Nuon, C. Scott), 2 absent (C. Robinson, C. Rourke). So voted..” (Motion: Mercier, second: Nuon)
Votes with no disagreement (135)
From the Lowell City Council’s official minutes, posted by the City Clerk in the city’s Agenda Center (City Council). We check every vote against the councilors present and quote the exact wording. MassVoter never grades or scores officials. Photos: the City of Lowell’s official councilor headshots, from each councilor’s page in the city’s staff directory (linked from “Meet the City Council” on lowellma.gov).
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