One week ago, Maura Hennigan attended her last meeting as City Councilor, an elective office she held for 24 years.  That’s not a record, but it’s certainly a very long period of public service.

     As everyone knows, Hennigan ran for Mayor of Boston against incumbent Thomas Menino.  Even her closest political allies didn’t accord her much chance of winning.  To wage an effective campaign, she went deeply into debt.  Entering the mayoral race was an act of political boldness on her part.  And she lost.

     Yet, even her political foes didn’t brand her as a “loser”.   She ended the race for Mayor on a strong note, admired for her courage and her willingness to speak up.  What she said mattered – it will have an effect on the future conduct of Boston’s political affairs.

     To have a true, working democracy, voters must vote and competing candidates must run for each political office.  Even in defeat, Hennigan and her campaign made a difference.

     Thank you, Ms. Hennigan, for your years of public service.