James Sullivan

Lowell In October 1970, Sullivan was named City Manager of Lowell, Massachusetts.

During his tenure in Lowell, Sullivan stabilized the city's tax rate. He also survived a referendum that would eliminate the city manager position, with 83% voting against eliminating the position.

He resigned as city manager in February 1974 to return to Cambridge. He was offered $45,000 by the Cambridge City Council to accept the position of city manager there while the Lowell Council could not offer more than $30,000 due to legislation that put a salary ceiling in place. Prior to his departure, Sullivan recommended that his assistant city manager, Robert W. Healy, be chosen as his successor.

Return to Cambridge Sullivan returned to Cambridge on April 1, 1974. Upon taking office, he promised to shake up the city's housing authority and police department.

During his second stint in Cambridge, Sullivan was one of the most outspoken opponents of Proposition 2½. He also dealt with paraquat-contaminated marijuana, a murder inside a school, genetic engineering studies, and the hanging of political signs in the city square. In an effort to increase revenue, Sullivan launched a program to acquire back taxes owed to Cambridge. Delinquent taxpayers netted by the program included the mayor and his brother.

On May 18, 1981, Sullivan announced his resignation effective July 1 to become president of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce (GBCC).

Sullivan retired on December 31, 1991. He was succeeded by William B. Coughlin, president of the Artery Business Committee which merged with the Chamber earlier that year.

Death Sullivan died on September 26, 2012, at the University Medical Center of Princeton at Plainsboro.