James R. Plunkett

{{Short description|American politician}}

{{Infobox Officeholder

| name =James R. Plunkett

| image = File:James R. Plunkett.gif

| imagesize =

| smallimage =

| caption =

| office =Mayor of
Everett, Massachusetts

| term_start =1966

| term_end =1968

| predecessor =Philip J. Crowley

| successor =George R. McCarthy

| occupation = Nursing home owner/administrator

}}

James R. Plunkett is an American politician who served as Mayor of Everett, Massachusetts from 1966 to 1968.

Plunkett began his political career as a member of the Everett Common Council, where he served two terms. In 1961 he was elected to the Everett Board of Aldermen as an at-large member.{{cite news|title=Everett|newspaper=The Boston Globe|date=November 9, 1961}}

In 1965, Plunkett ran for Mayor. He defeated fellow Alderman George R. McCarthy 9858 votes to 9405.{{cite news|title=Plunkett Wins By 453 Votes|newspaper=The Boston Globe|date=November 3, 1965}} He was sworn into office on January 3, 1966. In his inaugural speech he stated that Everett would become "a city on the move" and proposed commercial development on the city's waterfront.{{cite news|title=Mayors Explain: U.S. Steps Up Role in Cities|newspaper=The Boston Globe|date=January 4, 1966}} He was defeated by McCarthy in 1967 by 1200 votes.{{cite news|title=Everett Mayor McCarthy's Image: 'Tiger in Tough Spot'|newspaper=The Boston Globe|date=November 2, 1967}} He ran again in 1969, losing to McCarthy 9586 to 7160.{{cite news|last=Donovan|first=Frank|title=Minister's Victory, Close Lynn Race Highlight Contests in 39 Cities, 1 Town|newspaper=The Boston Globe|date=November 5, 1969}}

Outside politics Plunkett served as a member of the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War and was the owner and administrator of an Everett nursing home.{{cite news|last=Patterson|first=Rachelle|title=Nursing homes want $25m from Mass.|newspaper=The Boston Globe|date=May 18, 1973}}