Robert McCarthy Chosen As Salem Acting Mayor Through Special Election

SALEM, MA — Three-time Salem City Council President Robert McCarthy was tabbed to take on the city's highest elected office Wednesday night as the Ward 1 councilor was chosen by his peers to serve as acting mayor following the resignation of Kim Driscoll after 17 years.

Driscoll will be inaugurated as the state's new lieutenant governor on Thursday in a ceremony at the State House with a party at TD Garden in Boston to follow.

McCarthy teared up several times during a 10-minute address after City Councilor Patti Morsillo nominated him in what he called "the worst kept secret in the city" to be the acting mayor through the special election set for May 16 to fill out the remainder of Driscoll's term through 2025.

"I'm going to put my life on hold for five months," he allowed.

Ward 6 City Councilor Megan Stott was also voted as the new Council president on the night when Driscoll gave her farewell address in Council chambers as the special election dates to fill out her term were also approved. There will be a preliminary election if there are three or more candidates who are certified for the ballot on March 28 with the special election on May 16.

McCarthy will serve through the certification of the special election and then return to his Ward 1 council seat.

"That's what brings us here tonight — the work," McCarthy said. "The work that we need to do on behalf of our residents. Tonight is not about me. It's about all of us."

Morsillo said in nominating McCarthy for acting mayor "there is only one person on this Council who fits the bill."

"He's someone people trust when they need help," Morsillo said. "He's someone who cares about his constituents and his colleagues. And he's someone who reminds us to take the time to check in with our families. To spend the time we can with those who we love because the job of City Councilor never stops."

McCarthy said assured residents that "city government will continue to work for you through this unique period" and that he would make "informed decisions on behalf of all of us."

"I am not Kim Driscoll," he said. "Nor do I pretend to be Kim Driscoll. I am not perfect. Just ask my family. But I can tell you what my father taught me years ago: 'When you make a mistake, fix it immediately.'

"My job and my experiences have taught me to be a problem-solver and a consensus-builder and I plan to use those skill in this new role."

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)