Boston Councilor Arroyo Enters Mayoral Race

Boston City Councilor-at-Large Felix Arroyo is now the third member of the council running to succeed longtime Mayor Thomas Menino.

He's also the first Latino ever to run for the office.

Surrounded by dozens of supporters chanting "Yes we can," Arroyo, of Jamaica Plain, formally kicked off his campaign Tuesday morning at the downtown Boston headquarters of the Service Employees International Union Local 615, where he served as political director before his election to the city council four years ago.

Arroyo said he's undaunted by the fact that some of the already-announced candidates are way ahead of him in fundraising.

"I may not have the most money but I will have the strongest grassroots campaign, powered by committed volunteers and funded small donors," he said.

Arroyo, the son of the first Latino to serve on the city council, said his campaign won't be a one-issue campaign. He said the issues facing the city — quality schools, strong neighborhoods — are tied together.

Fellow Councilors John Connolly and Rob Consalvo have also declared their candidacies. Other declared candidates include Suffolk County District Attorney Daniel Conley, Dorchester state Rep. Martin Walsh and community organizer Bill Walczak.