McDermott, Arroyo, bid Boston City Council farewell

By John C. Drake, Globe Staff

Jerry P. McDermott, a conservative who often found himself on the losing end of debates in the Boston City Council, joked in his farewell speech today that the hardest part of leaving office was giving up his prime parking spot in Government Center.

"We mixed it up pretty good, and I had a lot of fun," McDermott said. "We got to be like a big dysfunctional family."

McDermott was first elected in 2002 to represent Allston-Brighton. He did not seek reelection because he is becoming executive director of the South Shore Habitat for Humanity.

The council, meeting in its final session this year, also bid farewell to Felix D. Arroyo, its first and only Hispanic member who had held an at-large seat since 2003. Arroyo, who vowed today to remain a voice in the city, lost reelection in November.

"I appreciate the opportunity to be part of the action of the city of Boston," Arroyo said. "Boston is very much in my future. I'll be around."

Mayor Thomas M. Menino paid tribute to the departing councilors at a reception before the meeting. Council President Maureen Feeney presented them with plaques in honor of their service.

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