Video: Menino Delivers Final Budget Proposal with Laughs

Menino says proposed $2.6 billion Fiscal Year '14 budget is "prudent."

  Boston Mayor Thomas Menino presented his last fiscal year budget - of $2.6 billion - with laughs, joking about the mayoral race with candidates and potential candidates in the room. Before getting to the details, a mock movie was played to a full room that included the Boston City Council, department heads, Superintendent Carol Johnson, as well as Police Commissioner Ed Davis. Laughs filled the Eagle Room at City Hall, for the comedic line that kept going, "From the producer of the Fiscal Year 1994 Budget, and the Fiscal Year 1995 Budget..." all the way up to Fiscal Year 2014 - "...coming July 1." Menino, sat in a chair the whole time, referred to the proposed FY '14 budget as "prudent" and that it increased 5.6 percent from fiscal year …

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Patch Facts

5 Things You Need to Know Today: March 29

Who will be the new mayor of Boston?

1. Accused Ponzi Schemers Face New Charges: The Palladinos were indicted on new charges yesterday. They'll be in court next month and in May. 2. 1988 Murder Trial: The prosecution ended in the trial of Michael Coker, accused of a 1988 West Roxbury murder. The defense may call a witness today, and closing arguments should begin Monday, according to Suffolk County District Attorney Dan Conley. 3. Menino: Mayor Thomas Menino announced he'll not run for a seventh term yesterday. District 6 City Counilor Matt O'Malley gave his thoughts on the decision. 4. Voter Registration: The last day to register to vote or change one’s voting address or party affiliation for the April 30 primary is April 10. The Election Department is located in Room 241 of…

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Menino Remains Hospitalized with Worsening Back Pain

The mayor has been hospitalized for weeks with a viral infection, blot clot and compression fracture in his back. The other conditions have abated but the back pain has worsened, according to his physicians.

Boston Mayor Thomas Menino remains hospitalized with worsening back pain, according to his physicians at Brigham and Women’s hospital. Doctors Dale Adler and Charles Morris addressed the mayor’s condition in a Tuesday afternoon press conference at the hospital. Menino suffered a compression fracture in his back while in the hospital, which, coupled with a viral infection, and a blood clot in his leg, has left the mayor hospitalized for weeks. "The Mayor is doing quite well, and sends his regards," began Dot Joyce, chief communications officer for Boston. Joyce called the back pain a “minor setback” and said Menino was getting healthier every day. The doctors would not commit to a timeline for Menino’s release from the hospital or return to…

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Should the State Reinstate Boston's Pit Bull Muzzle Law?

A new state law bans animal control laws that target specific breeds, nullifying a Boston regulation for pit bulls. Does the new law go to far?

Boston officials are fuming over a new state law that nullifies the city's pit bull muzzle law. According to the Boston Herald, Mayor Thomas Menino and City Councilor Ron Consalvo are among the city leaders criticizing the new state law, saying the city knows best when it comes to protecting the public from what many consider vicious dogs. The new state rule, supported by animal rights groups, bans breed-specific regulations, like muzzle and leashing laws for pit bulls or other types of dogs the public considers aggressive or violent.  Does the new state law go too far? Should cities and towns get to decide what kinds of dogs need muzzles? Or do you believe the laws supporters when they say there's no data to support breed-specific laws? …

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