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Keller @ Large: Tom Menino's Legacy

By Jon Keller, WBZ-TV

BOSTON (CBS) - It's been one year to the day since Tom Menino passed away, and Friday at 2:30 p.m., Boston Mayor Marty Walsh will mark the moment with a moment of silence on City Hall Plaza. It's a typically classy move by the mayor, and a recognition of how significant Menino's legacy is to the city and its people, a legacy Walsh is continuing in many ways.

In the 12 months since his death, other cities around the country have experienced civil unrest over claims of police brutality. But in Boston, when touchy situations occur, there's a solid connection between police and the community to help ease tension. That's part of the Menino legacy.

Other cities continue to struggle with economic blight. Boston isn't quite paradise for everyone yet, but when you hear more complaints about construction-related traffic and parking problems than a lack of jobs and investment, that's good news. And that's part of the Menino legacy too.

Some cities suffer with mayors who are inaccessible to the press, and wouldn't know a sense of humor if they fell over it. By contrast, Mayor Walsh is readily available, and has proven he can take a joke and give one too.

That's the example Menino set, and Bostonians wouldn't have it any other way.

One year later, his passing still evokes deep regret.

Listen to Jon's commentary:

I had my clashes with Menino over the years, but I thoroughly enjoyed covering him for 20 years. He was one of a kind, smart, tough, caring, funny, a man in love with his city and its people.

And while I know I'm just one of many who miss him, the truth is he's still with us, every time we look around and reflect on what a great city Boston is.

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