Menino Remembers Kennedy As Champion Of Boston

Political leaders in Boston are remembering Sen. Edward Kennedy as a close friend and vital champion of the the city's interests in Washington.

Mayor Thomas Menino says Kennedy sought to both boost the state's industries and help its most vulnerable populations. "Yeah he helped the bio-tech guys, but he also helped the people in the public housing developments," Menino said. "No other voice other than Sen. Kennedy was that voice."

Former Boston Mayor Ray Flynn recalls the senator as crucial to the transformation of the city in the 1980s.

"When you think about all the major public works projects that took place in Boston, they all took place with Ted Kennedy and Tip O'Neill," Flynn said. "We probably got more federal dollars pouring into Boston than any other city in America."

Both leaders also recall Kennedy as a close personal friend.

Click the "Listen Now" button above to hear WBUR's full conversation with Mayor Menino on Kennedy's passing.