State, City Officials Laud Menino

Mayor Thomas Menino, Boston's longest standing mayor, will not run for office this November. As the Hub's mayor for 20 years, he leaves behind a legacy with the city's citizens and elected officials.

Jamaica Plain's Matt O'Malley, Boston City Councilor for District 6 has served on the council since 2010. He said he was "surprised and saddened" by Menino's decision.

"This is a guy who has been the mayor since I was in the eighth grade," he said. "He served with distrinction and honor. I don’t think anyone can refute the fact that this city is far stronger and better than since before he took over."

O'Malley, who said he does not plan to run for mayor, called Menino "as much of a Boston landmark as the Boston Garden or the Custom House."

Councilor At-Large John Connolly, who has officially launched a run for the mayor's office, had this to say about Boston's outgoing leader.

"Today we celebrate and thank Mayor Tom Menino for his service and unquestionable love for our City. He has personally touched the lives of tens of thousands of Bostonians, and he ensured a higher quality of life across Boston’s neighborhoods.  I am thankful to have worked with him, and to have learned from him," Connolly wrote in an emailed statement.

U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren said in an emailed statement. Menino is simply the best: "Tom Menino is the best. Period.  He is the best mayor in America.  He is the best friend to the neighborhoods and people of Boston. He is the best example of how a city can and should be governed.  His friendship and good counsel is invaluable to me and I will continue to rely on it every day. I thank him for all he has done for the families of Boston over the last two decades and for the tremendous legacy he leaves for future generations of Bostonians."

Gov. Deval Patrick called Menino's service "extraordinary and tireless."

“It's hard to imagine Boston without Tom Menino as mayor," Patrick said in an email. "No one loves this City and her people more, or is more excited about her future. Mayor Menino has become a valued partner to me on policy and politics, and a trusted and beloved friend. I thank him for his extraordinary and tireless service to the people of Boston, and look forward to leaning on his wisdom for many more years to come.”

Lt. Gov. Timothy Murray called the outgoing six-term mayor a friend and mentor.

“For the last 20 years, Mayor Tom Menino has given his heart and soul in serving the City of Boston," Murray said in an emailed statement. "He has been an effective leader for the city and Commonwealth, exemplifying the blocking and tackling of government. From my time as mayor of Worcester, he has been a friend to me and has mentored so many who have had the privilege to cross his path over the years. I wish Tom, and his wife Angela, the very best in the future.”

Treasurer Steven Grossman said in an emailed statement: “Tom Menino said yes for 20 years to economic inclusion, immigrant entrepreneurship, social and economic justice for all, common-sense solutions, the goals of the LGBT community, and racial and gender diversity in government and in our civic institutions. He said no to those who would divide us and keep us from achieving our highest aspirations. We will miss his leadership at City Hall and look forward to his and Angela's vigorous community involvement in the years ahead.”

Congressman Stephen F. Lynch said Menino "will be remembered as one of the greatest Mayors in the history of Boston."

"The City of Boston, and all its people, will greatly miss his leadership, his vision and, most importantly, his love for Boston’s neighborhoods and residents," Lynch added in an email.

Suffolk County District Attorney Dan Conley said Menino is leaving the city in better shape then when he was elected.

“Today is a time to appreciate all that Tom Menino has given to the people of Boston. He held nothing back. He deserves every bit of thanks and appreciation that comes his way," Conley said in an emailed statement.

City Counilor At-Large Ayanna Pressley said public service is in Menino's "DNA" in this emailed statement: “Today we are all reacting to Mayor Thomas Menino’s announcement that he won’t seek re-election. He seems happy and at peace with his decision. I am glad that he will have more time to spend with his family. But I don’t believe for a second that he won’t continue to give back and make a difference in this City; that we won’t still see him at events in every neighborhood. Public Service is in his DNA. I am grateful for his tenacious fight for youth jobs, for his focus on public health, for creating Main Streets – the list goes on. Mayor Menino has made an immeasurable impact on this City and there’s no doubt he will continue to do so for many more years.”

District 2 councilor Bill Linehan, on the council since 2007, said:

"My first thought is I hope he is at peace with this decision because considering his commitment and effort over 20 years, he surely deserves to be there."

Linehan, who said he would not run, added: "This is going to be a time for transition, at not just the federal and state government levels, but also in city government."

Councilor At-Large Felix G. Arroyo said Menino is responsible for the positive direction of the city over the past two decades.

“Over the last 20 years, Boston has become a better and stronger city under Mayor Menino’s leadership," he said in an emailed statement. "Today, I reflect on his work as Mayor for the last two decades, thank him for his service, and look forward to our future as a city.”

Michael P. Ross, councilor in District 8, said:

"Tom Menino's legacy will be felt for many generations in our city. His effect on nearly every corner of every realm in civic life has been profound. From public education to public safety to the very landscape of our city, from development downtown to that of our neighborhoods, the levels of improvements and success are beyond anything our city has seen."

Ross left open the possibility that he may run for mayor.

"Today is a day for Tom Menino and a day to reflect," he said. "There will be plenty of time to talk about what my plans are."

Charles D. Yancey, councilor from District 4, said Menino "gave the city his heart."

"He loves this city and was willing to make a great deal of sacrifices for it," he said, possibly referring to Menino's ailing health in recent years.

On running for mayor, Yancey, the longest-serving city councilor, said he is "going to have to take a serious look at that." Yancey has served on the city council since 1983.