Boston considers getting its own 'rat czar'

As complaints of rat sightings in Boston increase, the city could soon get its very own rat czar.

Boston City Council President Ed Flynn plans to introduce a proposal this Thursday that would create an "Office of Pest Control."

If successful, Boston would follow on the heels of New York City, which earlier this month appointed a new leader to tackle the city's rat problem.

Flynn's proposal seeks to streamline the work of pest control that are currently spread across Boston Public Works and the Inspectional Services Department.

"It's a public health crisis as far as I'm concerned. It's a quality of life issue," Flynn said. "It's important that we work together, listen to each other, acknowledge that we have a significant challenge here in the city. But let's commit ourselves to solving it."

Flynn said he's been following New York City's program and is planning a visit in the next month to see it in action.