Tuesday, November 3, 2009

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Mayoral elections to be held in Boston, many other cities

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BOSTON -- Nearly two dozen incumbent mayors are facing challenges on Election Day in Massachusetts. Among them is four-term Boston Mayor Thomas Menino, who is opposed by City Councilor Michael Flaherty.

Mayor Menino told 7News Political Editor Andy Hiller that connecting with the people of Boston has sustained him through his 16 years in office.

"You know, when you're out there in the neighborhoods, right, that's where you get your energy, not in this building. Energy is from people...I love that," said Menino.

Flaherty, who is teaming with fellow City Councilor Sam Yoon, said together they will address key issues like unemployment, which he said the Menino administration hasn't solved in 16 years.

"He's asking for four more and I say why? Why? It's the next generation's turn to step up. Boston needs new leadership to get us back on track," said Flaherty.

In other areas, one of the more heated races is in Quincy, where Mayor Thomas Koch and former Mayor William Phelan are staging a rematch of their 2007 race, in which Koch ousted Phelan from office.

In Springfield, first-term mayor Domenic Sarno is being challenged by city councilor Bud Williams.

In North Adams, John Barrett -- the state's longest serving mayor -- is seeking a 14th term against Richard Alcombright.

New mayors are being chosen on Tuesday in Agawam, Fall River, Holyoke, Lawrence, Newburyport and Newton, all cities where incumbents were either not running or were ousted by in preliminary elections.

(Copyright (c) 2009 Sunbeam Television. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)