Boston’s longest-serving mayor passed away recently at age 71. For a man who dismissed visionaries as ineffective in getting things done, Tom Menino both effected massive change and had a vision for Boston as big as his heart. Today’s Boston bears the marks of a man who loved the details, made sure that its citizens came first and demanded that development merge seamlessly with the city’s historic roots. Famously known as a “city mechanic,” and for having met, personally, at least half the residents of Boston, Mayor Menino was a master of local retail politics, resulting in five consecutive terms in office.
His legacy is all around us. He leaves behind one of the most popular cities in the world, a city famous for education, health care, financial services and high tech innovation. As you walk the Rose Kennedy Greenway, explore the city’s hot new “Innovation District” or the revitalized Fenway neighborhood, or even the timeless, lovely, historically preserved Beacon Hill, you’re enjoying the “vision” and the love of Tom Menino.