“I was saddened to learn of the passing of one of my mentors, Mayor Tom Menino, and today the City of Chicago joins the people of Boston in mourning this great loss. I spoke to Tom just two weeks ago and was proud to call him a colleague, but prouder to call him a friend. Mayor Menino was a transformational leader for Boston and a shining example of how to build a great 21st century city, one resident and one neighborhood at a time. I am grateful for the many lessons of leadership he provided, most especially the importance of facing every challenge with grit, good humor, and a determination to always put progress ahead of politics. The thoughts and prayers of the people of Chicago are with his wife Angela, his children, his many friends, and the people of Boston.”

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