Tom Menino has been a regular on the front page of The Boston Globe for more than twenty years, from his elevation as interim mayor to his life after public office. This is what the coverage looked like as it happened.
Aug. 16, 1993
The month after Menino took over for the departing Ray Flynn, The Globe profiled him in his efforts to win a full term in November. On the lower left-hand side of the page, the article points to “his devotion to detail and to the plight of the average citizen.”
Nov. 3, 1993
Menino would log a convincing victory over James T. Brett to begin his first four-year stint on the job. “His winning majority crossed neighborhood and ideological lines and toppled the time-tested maxim that only Irish-Americans could lead the city of Boston,” The Globe wrote.
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April 11, 1996
Menino put in place a deal to privatize Boston City Hospital by merging it with BU Medical Center. The Globe wrote that Menino considered the agreement, which would create Boston Medical Center, “the most important thing he will do as mayor.”
Jan. 6, 1999
As he entered his second full term, Menino laid out plans for a massive waterfront redevelopment in the Seaport district (bottom left). Of all the changes Boston saw during Menino’s tenure, the transformation of that area would be among the most pronounced.
Dec. 20, 2000
Menino also faced criticism for his handling of the Seaport development, as residents of other communities faulted his decision to direct many of the benefits toward South Boston.
Jan. 14, 2004
In a State of the City address, Menino laid out his agenda for a momentous year — one in which the Democratic National Convention would come to Boston and make him a speaker. He also heard protests from members of the city workers’ union who were upset by an ongoing dispute with the mayor.
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Sept. 13, 2009
As Menino steamed toward victory in the race for a record fifth term, the Sunday Globe looked at his extensive political operation. The story described City Hall as “a place where not even the most trivial slights go unnoticed and the smallest opportunities unnourished.”
March 29, 2013
With another election season on the horizon and his strength sapped by illness, Menino told the city that he would not seek another term in office. The Globe wrote: “No longer, he said, did he possess the stamina to be the tireless neighborhood champion who for two decades drew his energy from the politics of ribbon cuttings, school plays, and chance meetings with residents.”
Jan. 5, 2014
With Martin J. Walsh elected his successor, the Sunday Globe spent time with Menino as he prepared to leave office. “Boston’s longest serving mayor is packing to leave,” the story said. “Every minute brings him closer to the end, at 10 a.m. Monday.”
March 16, 2014
Just months after leaving office and taking a position at Boston University, Menino told the Globe that he had been diagnosed with advanced cancer.
Andy Rosen can be reached at andrew.rosen@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter at @andyrosen.