John C. Carr

John C. Carr (1891/1892 – June 27, 1967) was an American politician who served as Mayor of Medford, Massachusetts, Chairman of the Massachusetts Democratic Party, and City Manager of Medford.

Early life Carr was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and raised in Charlestown. He was the seventh of thirteen children born to Frank and Bridget (Berkeley) Carr, Irish immigrants who met and married in the United States.

During his final term, Carr resigned to enter the armed forces. During World War II, Carr rose to the rank of lieutenant colonel and served as Military Governor of Manila and Tacloban.

He was the Democratic nominee for mayor in 1947, but lost to incumbent Walter E. Lawrence by 808 votes.

Party Chairman On November 20, 1949, Carr was elected Chairman of the Massachusetts Democratic Party in a special election to finish the term of the deceased James Vahey. His candidacy was supported by Paul A. Dever, Maurice J. Tobin, James Michael Curley, and John William McCormack.

He was reelected in 1952, however his election was challenged by William H. Burke, Jr. On December 15, 1955, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled that Carr's reelection was not legal. On January 11, 1956, both sides came to an agreement and Burke was elected chairman.

City Manager Carr was appointed City Manager on April 13, 1961, by a 4 to 3 vote. Carr's appointment was challenged by his opponents, as they believed City Councilor John C. Carr, Jr.'s vote for his father was a conflict-of-interest. They also believed he was too old to serve, as the 69-year-old Carr would be forced into mandatory retirement in 11 months. The appointment was upheld by the Middlesex County District Attorney.

During his tenure as City Manager, Carr promoted the construction of the Public Safety Building and the Kennedy School. On January 16, 1962, the Council unanimously voted to dismiss Carr.

Carr died on June 27, 1967, in Medford, at 75 years of age.