O'Malley on Menino: 'Surprised and Saddened'

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 with city councilors.

District 6 councilor Matt O'Malley, who represents West Roxbury, and has served on the council since 2010, 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."

He lauded Menino's efforts in keeping Boston's economic status elevated as the rest of the nation struggled through a recession.

"We've seen some real economic difficulties, but Boston has weathered the economic crisis better than other cities," O'Malley said. "We have a far better bond rating, our joblessness rate is much lower. Boston is thriving and stronger, and better than ever really due to the efforts of Mayor Menino."