Flaherty officially announces his candidacy for mayor of Boston

I would vote for Satan himself over Menino! Therefore, Flaherty, you've got my vote!

Michael, well said. You are deft, and it will serve you well in your campaign. You offer no sleight, rather- admiration for The Mayor's work, and his service to our city.

Alas, it is time to relieve the "urban mechanic" from his post.

Be articulate, focused and communicate a simple message: You have the courage, the drive, and the personal constitution to deliver for this City at a critical time.

You also need another $500k to make a serious run at it..

I will help.

we need a proven and experienced leadership during these tough economic times menino has done a good job, i don't think mikey does. what has he done as a councilor?

Finally!!!!! we are going to have a mayoral race. Hit him hard Flats I'm with you 110%

Campaigns indicate how you govern. Looking at Councilor Flaherty's bungled campaign makes me realize I don't want him any where near the mayor's office. These are too serious of times to have an incompetent leader. Councilor Flaherty can't seriouly think he can take on Mayor Menino, who leads our city well, both for residents and the neighborhoods.

Whether you like Menino or not, 16 years is too long. I don't want to see his grandchildren working as "safety engineers" at Suffolk Construction. Oh wait, I forgot. That would be just a coincidence if it happened. The signs with Menino's name and Suffolk Construction on them at the Modern Theatre rehab are misprints.

Same B.S. different politician. Boston needs a candidate thats not a career politician. Flaherty is just more of the same Boston politics.

Unfortunately, this latest update to Flaherty's "announcement" , an announcement which had to be done twice, sort of like President Obama's oath of office, doesn't contain an interesting bit of information that the previous reports had. The earlier reports stated that a Flaherty aide denied that the anouncement had appeared prematurely on Youtube, and then the aide hung up the phone on the reporter. That's certainly a bad omen for the Flaherty campaign. Too bad Flaherty lacked the courage to run 4 years ago. He missed his chance.

I am a Boston resident and a staunch REPUBLICAN, but I have to say, I think Menino has done a good job.

What's the gripe on Menino? He seems very active and hands-on, always out there in the community, etc. Seems to really care about Boston and Boston's neighborhoods.

Hey Flats - where did you get that blender?

If this reel isn't a dog and pony show, I don't know what is. Apparently you have had too many kitchen table talks behind closed doors because I don't see you anywhere. I saw Mayor Menino 3 times in one week in my neighborhood alone. How can you have a campaign for the people when clearly you aren't anywhere with them?

Shecky - from a right leaning independent - let's see - property taxes have tripled in the last 15 years (and hold on, they're about to get a whole lot worse once the election is over), the schools still rank in the bottom 5% in the state where they've always been (he takes credit for them getting better - but that's due to MCAS requirements), we still have a 20% plus dropout rate, our planning agency, the BRA, literally has no plan (I asked them and they said there isn't one and they won't be working on one in our lifetime) and is approving 300 foot buildings in areas zoned for 150 foot buildings and now he fakes the budget shortfall so he can get a meals tax to keep building his empire (the so-called shorfall is about half of what he's claiming and only about 2% of the budget higher than the shortfall they already predicted almost a year ago and did nothing about). Instead of firing his hacks, he threatens the teachers and cops (I am neither). Let me know if you want some more.

Unfortunately the people who vote in the Mayoral election are the same ones who continue re-elect Ted Kennedy. So let's not expect anyone to suddenly start doing the right thing now !!!

if Flaherty gets in, it will be your stereotypical Boston Politian, times ten. It would be terrible for the city. I just hope we see his FBI photos taking “campaign contributions” soon.
Stevil, how many Flahertys do you think get a payroll check from the city of boston? Our court system is littered with them.

It will be nice to see Menino's corrupt BRA get dismantled. I feel bad for the bartenders at the Bell in Hand. Without the BRA employees, there will be no business during the 9am to 5pm shift.

Go for it Michael!

Despite what 'More of the Same' says....we can never have too many Flaherty's in Boston. We are so much of a part of the rich history of Boston as we are the incredible future!

I wish you much success!

More of the same - there are 31 flaherty's on the city payroll, one can only guess what relation they have to the councilor. Another 32 flaherty's on the state payroll. Didn't check the herald's pension system reference - but I'm sure there are a few retired flaherty's getting the proverbial monthly kiss in the mail. Councilor - perhaps you could enlighten us as to how many of these 63 flaherty's fall within one degree of familial separation (out to first cousins, uncles, aunts etc.). And please don't forget to add all the relatives who don't have the same last name.

What's more amazing than 63 flaherty's on the payroll - it still falls ten short of the number of secretaries on the city council payroll. President Ross - you workin' on that before we start firing teachers and cops?

I will say that I am not the biggest Menino fan, but the city has been in great shape the past 15 years....the basic city services that affect me (street lighting, pot holes, parks, etc) always seem to be a top priority Where has Flaherty been the last 10 years? Other Councillors at least send their staff to cover civic meetings, I have yet to see his staff or him at any of the ones in my neighborhood. Flaherty will be another scam artist......don't be fooled. "the devil you know, is better than the devil you don't". If these are our 2 top choices than Tommy boy has my vote again.

To More of The Same , what do you care how many of them get pay checks from the city? you need to get alife and take a look at all the hard working Flaherty's that earn what they are getting. GO MIchael We Are with you all the way.