Many years ago I became friends with Mayor Menino when we used to visit the youth of Boston. He always placed a high priority on helping young people and I was impressed by his huge heart, his core values and his integrity. As I grew to know him better, I also realized that he was a true leader with sound values and a purpose driven work ethic. Although we have differed on some political views, I honor him and would trust him in leading Boston through these difficult times.
- John Hannah
I share the honor of not only living in the same section of boston that the Mayor lives in but I also share the same birthdate... I can't recall the countless times that I have had the opportunity to meet the Mayor. He has impacted so many lives and his compassion and giving spirit is a testament to what it means to be a true Bostonian. I can't imagine what the city would be like without programs like Boston shines, the Mayors hotline or the youth council. His greatest asset is his amazing wife who is always gracious and compassionate and willing to lend an ear to one and all. I look forward to seeing him do even greater things in the city of Boston.
- Michelle Brasfield
Mayor Menino has been an amazing supporter of Rosie's Place, where I work. He recently gave us 2 Monster tickets for the Red Sox and we auctioned them off for $3000!!! This is amazing, because as everyone can guess, we have so many more women coming to us for help, and with the recession, people's ability to give is not keeping up. The Mayor truly understands our mission and when you talk with him, you know how he feels about ending homelessness. Thank you Mayor Menino!! Yay Red Sox! Sue
- Sue Marsh
I'm sure everyone can name an important, unforgettable person who has touched their life. Maybe, someone who has made a difference or has had an impact on the way you see the world. Possibly, someone has given you support and guidance during tough times or has inspired you to be a better person, to give back and help others. For all those reasons, Mayor Menino is that person for me. Ten years ago, soon after my 38th birthday, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. My new boss, who had only met me a few times during the interviewing process, encouraged me to be strong and fight back instead of agreeing to let me step down and quit. I wanted to hide and cry, but this selfless, courageous person told me not to give up. He told me it would be ok, and insisted that I could do both -- fight my cancer and be his press secretary. With his support, I was able to survive the darkest time in my life. This was one of those defining moments, which would set the stage for the rest of my life. Mayor Menino probably has no idea what an impact his actions have had on me. His response to my shocking news and the way he taught me to handle my situation head on says so much about the kind of genuine, caring person he really is. The thing about true giving is that the person usually doesn't even realize just how much of an impact they've had on someone or something because they are just doing what comes naturally to them. I guess that is why Mayor Menino is able to accomplish so much in order to push Boston forward. He demonstrates to all of us that you can be an extremely effective leader and a really good person all at the same time. He really does possess all the qualities you would want in someone who oversees such an important part of our lives. A wise leader who has the vision to move us forward, who works tirelessly to make Boston a better place to live, work, and visit, and who strives to make our lives better each day. This is a dedicated, loyal, sensitive, caring, giving human being who tackles his work with passion. He is someone who is positive, upbeat, a family man through and through, who serves as an inspiration and role model for all of us. I am so grateful for the opportunity to share my story of how the Mayor has made a difference in my life, and inspired me to move forward and deal with my challenges. I feel very blessed to have had the chance to know him and his wonderful family. In my mind, he is the right person, and really the best person to lead Boston. He represents the true meaning of being a public servant. He has been so great for this city with all the positive changes he's been able to deliver over the years because this is his true calling. Through his actions, he inspired me to find my true calling in life and move forward. Today, I am a proud mom, a registered nurse, and a hospice volunteer. I'm doing my best to give back and stand strong for others as Mayor Menino does each day for all of us. I hope my story reaches those who may not know the Mayor personally, and who might appreciate a little glimpse inside the soul of the person who works wholeheartedly for us.
- Robin Bavaro-sakorafos
I have had the pleasure of meeting Mayor Menino several times in the past six years since moving to Boston. On each occasion, he has been engaging, gregarious, and genuine in all of our conversations - whether they took place at Charlie's Sandwich Shoppe in the South End, where he has been a regular customer for years, or at the annual Mayor's Reception for the Boston Marathon at the Fairmont. Mayor Menino, to me, serves in a combination father/uncle/older brother role for the entire Boston community. He is the "everyman" - far from perfect, yet always striving for the betterment of the whole. His ability to show sides of self-deprecation, solemn tenderness, and unbridled enthusiasm are not just requirements of being a leader in the city but those of a person who is balanced within the framework of his life. On one occasion at Charlie's, I remarked to Mayor Menino that it had been a few months since he had been to the diner. "I'm watching my weight," he told me. Then, with a wink, he added "But not today!" He always delivers, whether it's a witty line or to the people of Boston. As far as I'm concerned, he should be the Mayor of Boston for life.
- George Cuddy
