MassVoter.com← Quincy City CouncilQuincy Former City Councilor
David McCarthy
Ward 1 · 4 terms in this record
David F. McCarthy
A monthly email on how they voted, starting in November.
Council terms
Record at a glance · 2020–2021 Council
How these numbers work
- Counted from the official minutes, for 2020–2021 Council only. Committee meetings and routine votes (adjourning, approving minutes) are not counted.
- Attendance counts the meetings where the minutes list McCarthy 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.
Attendance
At the start of 42 of 44 City Council meetings in 2020–2021 Council.
Missed
- Dec 6, 2021 · Regular: Absent
- Apr 12, 2021 · Regular: Absent
Every meeting (44)
- Dec 13, 2021 · Regular: Present
- Dec 6, 2021 · Regular: Absent
- Nov 15, 2021 · Regular: Present
- Nov 8, 2021 · Regular: Present
- Oct 18, 2021 · Regular: Present
- Oct 4, 2021 · Regular: Present
- Sep 27, 2021 · Regular: Present
- Sep 20, 2021 · Regular: Present
- Aug 16, 2021 · Special: Present
- Jun 24, 2021 · Special: Present
- Jun 21, 2021 · Regular: Present
- Jun 7, 2021 · Regular: Present
- May 17, 2021 · Regular: Present
- May 3, 2021 · Regular: Present
- Apr 12, 2021 · Regular: Absent
- Apr 5, 2021 · Regular: Present
- Mar 15, 2021 · Regular: Present
- Mar 1, 2021 · Regular: Present
- Feb 16, 2021 · Joint: Present
- Feb 8, 2021 · Regular: Present
- Feb 1, 2021 · Regular: Present
- Jan 25, 2021 · Special: Present
- Jan 19, 2021 · Regular: Present
- Jan 11, 2021 · Regular: Present
- Dec 14, 2020 · Regular: Present
- Dec 7, 2020 · Regular: Present
- Nov 16, 2020 · Regular: Present
- Nov 9, 2020 · Regular: Present
- Oct 19, 2020 · Regular: Present
- Oct 5, 2020 · Regular: Present
- Sep 21, 2020 · Regular: Present
- Sep 8, 2020 · Regular: Present
- Jun 15, 2020 · Regular: Present
- Jun 1, 2020 · Regular: Present
- May 18, 2020 · Regular: Present
- May 4, 2020 · Regular: Present
- Apr 13, 2020 · Regular: Present
- Apr 6, 2020 · Regular: Present
- Mar 20, 2020 · Special: Present
- Mar 9, 2020 · Regular: Present
- Feb 24, 2020 · Regular: Present
- Feb 3, 2020 · Regular: Present
- Jan 21, 2020 · Regular: Present
- Jan 6, 2020 · Special: Present
Votes where councilors disagreed · 2020–2021 Council
Dec 13Approve 2021-079 - Ordinance- Amending Chapter 375 - Zoning…Motion: Motion to approve by Councillor Palmucci, Seconded by Councillor McCarthyPassed 8–0 · McCarthy: Not recorded
December 13, 2021: Approve 2021-079 - Ordinance- Amending Chapter 375 - Zoning - Section 8.3 - Quincy Center Districts - Use of Public Spaces in the Quincy Center District
Motion to approve by Councillor Palmucci, Seconded by Councillor McCarthy
The minutes give the count as 8-0, but 9 councillors were present for this vote (Anthony Andronico, Ian Cain, Noel DiBona, William Harris, Nina Liang, Anne Mahoney, David McCarthy, Brian Palmucci and Charles Phelan). Showing the count only.
From the minutes
“Motion to approve by Councillor Palmucci, Seconded by Councillor McCarthy The motion was approved by 8-0.” (Motion: Palmucci, second: McCarthy)
Dec 13Approve 2021-120 - Adopting - Percentages of Local Tax…Motion: Motion to approve by Councillor Palmucci, Seconded by Councillor McCarthy Councillor…Passed 8–1 · McCarthy: Not recorded
December 13, 2021: Approve 2021-120 - Adopting - Percentages of Local Tax by Each Class of Real & Personal Property for FY22
Motion to approve by Councillor Palmucci, Seconded by Councillor McCarthy Councillor Mahoney questioned if the Pension Obligation Bond (POB) has been approved, its interest rate and the impact of the first payment being lower than budgeted and is concerned that interest rates given tonight for the bond are higher than discussed when approved. Councillor Mahoney also discussed when the city will be
The minutes give only the count (8-1), not how each councillor voted.
From the minutes
“Motion to approve by Councillor Palmucci, Seconded by Councillor McCarthy Councillor Mahoney questioned if the Pension Obligation Bond (POB) has been approved, its interest rate and the impact of the first payment being lower than budgeted and is concerned that interest rates given tonight for the bond are higher than discussed when approved. Councillor Mahoney also discussed when the city will be certifying free cash and the impact it could have had on lowing the tax rate. Mr. Mason stated the POB has been approved by A&F and all state bodies and is currently in pricing with a goal to price before the federal reserve speaks on Wednesday and tomorrow will be finalizing price and terms of the note. for 19 years for 2.5 to 2.75% rate. The interest payment remains the same as the city is not required to make a payment in the first year and could go down from the $9.5m. Any excess would become part of free cash next year. They are in the process of certifying free cash, due to budget cuts last year and revenue projections based on the combined balance sheet we do have a tight surplus $5.2M-$5.3M so the priority was the POV over certifying free cash. The motion was approved by 8-1 Roll Call Vote.” (Motion: Palmucci, second: McCarthy)
Nov 15Approve 2021-109 - Resolve - Resolution in Support of…Motion: Motion to approve by Councillor Palmucci, Seconded by Councillor McCarthyPassed 8–0 · McCarthy: Not recorded
November 15, 2021: Approve 2021-109 - Resolve - Resolution in Support of Quincy Cable Access TV
Motion to approve by Councillor Palmucci, Seconded by Councillor McCarthy
The minutes give the count as 8-0, but 9 councillors were present for this vote (Anthony Andronico, Ian Cain, Noel DiBona, William Harris, Nina Liang, Anne Mahoney, David McCarthy, Brian Palmucci and Charles Phelan). Showing the count only.
From the minutes
“Motion to approve by Councillor Palmucci, Seconded by Councillor McCarthy Yeas have it The motion was approved by 8-0 Roll Call Vote.” (Motion: Palmucci, second: McCarthy)
Nov 15Approve 2021-080 - Ordinance- Amending Chapter 375 - Zoning…Motion: Chairman Councillor Mahoney Motion to approve by Councillor Mahoney, Seconded by…Passed 8–1 · McCarthy: Not recorded
November 15, 2021: Approve 2021-080 - Ordinance- Amending Chapter 375 - Zoning - Regulation of Short-Term Residential Rentals
Chairman Councillor Mahoney Motion to approve by Councillor Mahoney, Seconded by Councillor Phelan
The minutes give only the count (8-1), not how each councillor voted.
From the minutes
“2021-080 - Ordinance- Amending Chapter 375 - Zoning - Regulation of Short-Term Residential Rentals Positive Recommendation made by Ordinance Committee Chairman Councillor Mahoney Motion to approve by Councillor Mahoney, Seconded by Councillor Phelan The motion was approved by 8-1 Roll Call Vote.” (Motion: Mahoney, second: Phelan)
Nov 8Pass 2021-102 - Appropriation - $401,000 to Parks Department…Motion: Motion for passage by Councillor Cain, Seconded by Councillor McCarthyPassed 7–2 · McCarthy: Not recorded
November 8, 2021: Pass 2021-102 - Appropriation - $401,000 to Parks Department for Furnace Brook Golf Course Operational Expenses from FY22 Revenue
Motion for passage by Councillor Cain, Seconded by Councillor McCarthy
The minutes give only the count (7-2), not how each councillor voted.
From the minutes
“Motion for passage by Councillor Cain, Seconded by Councillor McCarthy The motion was approved by 7-2 Roll Call Vote.” (Motion: Cain, second: McCarthy)
Oct 4Approve 2021-090 - Utility - Grant of Location -…Motion: Chairman Councillor Harris Motion to approve by Councillor Harris, Seconded by…Passed 6–3 · McCarthy: Not recorded
October 4, 2021: Approve 2021-090 - Utility - Grant of Location - National Grid Gas - Adams St at Whitwell St - Hospital Site
Chairman Councillor Harris Motion to approve by Councillor Harris, Seconded by Councillor Phelan
The minutes give only the count (6-3), not how each councillor voted.
From the minutes
“2021-090 - Utility - Grant of Location - National Grid Gas - Adams St at Whitwell St - Hospital Site Positive Recommendation made by Public Works Committee Chairman Councillor Harris Motion to approve by Councillor Harris, Seconded by Councillor Phelan The motion was approved by 6-3 Roll Call Vote.” (Motion: Harris, second: Phelan)
Oct 4Approve 2021-091 - Utility - Grant of Location -…Motion: Chairman Councillor Harris Motion to approve by Councillor Harris, Seconded by…Passed 8–1 · McCarthy: Not recorded
October 4, 2021: Approve 2021-091 - Utility - Grant of Location - Mass. Electric/Verizon - 118 Old Colony Ave
Chairman Councillor Harris Motion to approve by Councillor Harris, Seconded by Councillor McCarthy
The minutes give only the count (8-1), not how each councillor voted.
From the minutes
“2021-091 - Utility - Grant of Location - Mass. Electric/Verizon - 118 Old Colony Ave Positive Recommendation made by Public Works Committee Chairman Councillor Harris Motion to approve by Councillor Harris, Seconded by Councillor McCarthy The motion was approved by 8-1 Roll Call Vote.” (Motion: Harris, second: McCarthy)
Oct 4Approve 2021-086 - Traffic - Add No Parking on…Motion: Chairman Councillor Mahoney Motion to approve by Councillor Mahoney, Seconded by…Passed 8–0 · McCarthy: Not recorded
October 4, 2021: Approve 2021-086 - Traffic - Add No Parking on the south and west sides of Burns Ave, 200' east of Charlesmount Ave to Quincy Ave
Chairman Councillor Mahoney Motion to approve by Councillor Mahoney, Seconded by Councillor Andronico
The minutes give the count as 8-0, but 9 councillors were present for this vote (Anthony Andronico, Ian Cain, Noel DiBona, William Harris, Nina Liang, Anne Mahoney, David McCarthy, Brian Palmucci and Charles Phelan). Showing the count only.
From the minutes
“2021-086 - Traffic - Add No Parking on the south and west sides of Burns Ave, 200' east of Charlesmount Ave to Quincy Ave Positive Recommendation made by Ordinance Committee Chairman Councillor Mahoney Motion to approve by Councillor Mahoney, Seconded by Councillor Andronico The motion was approved by 8-0 Roll Call Vote.” (Motion: Mahoney, second: Andronico)
Sep 20Pass 2021-081 - Gift - $3,725.00 from Various Donors…Motion: Motion for passage by Councillor McCarthy, Seconded by Councillor PhelanPassed 8–1 · McCarthy: Not recorded
September 20, 2021: Pass 2021-081 - Gift - $3,725.00 from Various Donors for D.A.R.E.
Motion for passage by Councillor McCarthy, Seconded by Councillor Phelan
The minutes give only the count (8-1), not how each councillor voted.
From the minutes
“2021-081 - Gift - $3,725.00 from Various Donors for D.A.R.E. - Mayor Koch Motion for passage by Councillor McCarthy, Seconded by Councillor Phelan The motion was approved by 8-1 Roll Call Vote.” (Motion: McCarthy, second: Phelan)
Aug 16Approve as amended 2021-077 - Order - Designation of…Motion: Motion to approve as amended by Councillor Harris, Seconded by Councillor…Passed 9–0 · McCarthy: Not recorded
August 16, 2021 (Special meeting): Approve as amended 2021-077 - Order - Designation of Early Polling Places for a Preliminary Election Monday, August 30, 2021
Motion to approve as amended by Councillor Harris, Seconded by Councillor Phelan
The minutes give the count as 9-0, but the attendance line names only 8 councillors (Ian Cain, Noel DiBona, William Harris, Anne Mahoney, David McCarthy, Brian Palmucci, Charles Phelan and Nina Liang); Anthony Andronico is not on it. Showing the count only.
From the minutes
“Motion to approve as amended by Councillor Harris, Seconded by Councillor Phelan The motion was approved by 9-0 Roll Call Vote.” (Motion: Harris, second: Phelan)
Votes with no disagreement (147)
From the official minutes kept by the Quincy City Clerk (agendas and minutes). From the Quincy City Council’s official minutes, posted on the city’s City Council agendas and minutes page (2025 on) and in its meeting minutes archive (earlier years). We check every vote against the councillors present and quote the exact wording. MassVoter never grades or scores officials. MassVoter never grades officials; votes and attendance are shown exactly as the minutes record them. Councillor photos: BallotReady candidate profiles (Anne Mahoney, Noel DiBona, Ziqiang Yuan, Richard Ash, Deborah Riley), the Green Voter Guide MA (Maggie McKee) and Quincy Access Television, November 2025 candidate messages (David Jacobs, Walter Hubley, Virginia Ryan). Former councillors show initials.
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