The Deal That Put Brad Markey on the New Bedford School Committee

The process of filling a New Bedford School Committee vacancy came to an end on Wednesday night with the selection of Brad Markey, but not before more plot twists, cliffhangers, and skullduggery than an episode of The Night Manager or True Detective.

Going into the joint convention that included members of the New Bedford City Council and the School Committee, and Mayor Jon Mitchell, it appeared all but certain that Marcus Coward would break a deadlock with fellow finalist Henry Bousquet and have the votes to replace former School Committeeman Bruce Oliveira, who passed away last year.

Mitchell, who originally backed former Ward 1 City Councilor Brad Markey for the position, pledged support to finalist Henry Bousquet when Markey was not a finalist, but switched to Marcus Coward with just hours to go before the vote, making it all but certain that Coward would win.

READ MORE: Mayor Mitchell Flips Vote From Bousquet to Coward

Bousquet, a Republican and supporter of President Donald Trump, came under heavy negative character attacks from local social activists who advocated for Coward.

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In a stunning pre-vote move, Bousquet withdrew his name, and Markey emerged as a compromise candidate, winning the seat by a 9-8 vote.

READ MORE: Brad Markey Selected for New Bedford School Committee Position

But how did that happen?

Upon learning Mitchell had changed his vote, Ward 3 Councilor Shawn Oliver sprung into action. "I immediately began reaching out to members of the joint convention who had part of the voting bloc supporting Mr. Bousquet," Oliver told me.

Since Markey had received the support of Mitchell and Councilor at Large Naomi Carney, Oliver sought to see if he could swing Bousquet's supporters to support a revised Markey candidacy.

READ MORE: Two New Bedford City Councilors Join Republican Party

Oliver's attempt to reach Mitchell by phone was unsuccessful, so Oliver drove to City Hall and waited until Mitchell had time to see him. The two discussed Oliver's idea of reviving Markey's name for consideration.

The plan worked, and Markey was sworn in to office the same night.