Thomas Menino

“Children need continuity as they grow and learn.”

“And it was from Boston that one in every six American families began their journey into the land of the free.”

“The true value of sport is more than the skills that young people learn.”

“And for the city's birthday, we will host events in every neighborhood of the city, inviting all of our residents to share in the celebration of Boston's great epic - the story of neighbors who support one another where it matters most.”

“Here's what I see all across this great city - people working together to make Boston a better place to live and to raise children, to grow and pursue dreams.”

“These are national problems that require national solutions.”

“We were the first urban school system in the country to wire all of our schools for the Internet.”

“In the 1990s, we introduced Boston's community policing strategy. We reversed the tide of violent crime that threatened our city, and we established a national model for preventing and fighting crime.”

“I'm proud to report that in 2004 alone, we approved 3,600 new units of housing - our best year ever!”

“Preparing our city to achieve its destiny will require strong leadership.”

“Currently, Boston has only nine percent of the state's population - but we provide more than 16 percent of the jobs and 19 percent of the state's revenues.”

“Tonight, I am pleased to announce that I have secured $1 million from the Convention Host Committee to fund the beautification of Boston's neighborhoods.”

“My fellow citizens, the state of our city is strong.”

“Let's use the energy of this historic year to propel us toward our shared vision of a greater Boston.”

“Diversity gives our city a competitive edge.”

“Boston is the engine of the state's economy.”

“The true privilege of being Mayor is that I have the opportunity to be everyone's neighbor.”

“One of our key strategies has been to restructure traditional high schools into small learning communities with personalized attention and a range of options.”

“Boston is known for its innovation.”

“For every $5 that Boston's economy sends up to Beacon Hill, the state gives only $1 back to us.”