Statement from Tom Cochran, CEO and Executive Director of The U.S. Conference of Mayors on the Death of Boston Mayor Tom Menino

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Oct 30, 2014, 01:14 ET

WASHINGTON, Oct. 30, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following statement was issued today from USCM CEO and Executive Director Tom Cochran on the death of former Boston Mayor Tom Menino:

"The nation's mayors mourn the passing of Thomas M. Menino, the 53^rd Mayor of Boston. He was our beloved colleague and, despite being aware of his health challenges, we are all still in shock.

"Prior to his retirement, Tom Menino was the longest serving Mayor of Boston, having been elected five times and serving from July 12, 1993 to January 6, 2014. Mayor Menino served as the 60^th President of The U.S. Conference of Mayors from 2002-2003, and hosted our 72^nd Annual Meeting in June of 2004.

"Mayor Menino was an innovator who never waited for change; he made the change happen. On issues such as housing policy, gun safety, new urban mechanics, the promotion of a healthy, local-food economy, and so much more -- the great City of Boston, our U.S. Conference of Mayors, and the nation are much better off because of Mayor Menino.

"When he spoke, people listened. His presence immediately commanded attention when he entered a room. He had vision, but he was also pragmatic and never lost sight of the "working family." He was passionate about making sure cities got what they needed and was tough when pushing for the urban agenda in Washington.

"He was one of a kind … truly a mayor's mayor who will be terribly missed.

"We have lost a friend and leader today, and our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife Angela, the Menino family, and the City of Boston."

The U.S. Conference of Mayors is the official nonpartisan organization of cities with populations of 30,000 or more. There are nearly 1400 such cities in the country today, and each city is represented in the Conference by its chief elected official, the mayor. Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/usmayors, or follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/usmayors.

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SOURCE The U.S. Conference of Mayors