BALTIMORE, Md. (October 30, 2014)—Today, Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake released the following statement regarding the passing of Tom Menino, former mayor of Boston:

"I was saddened to learn of Mayor Menino's passing today, following his courageous battle with cancer. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, which included the entire city of Boston.

I had the amazing honor of counting Tommy as a mentor and friend. Shortly after I became mayor of Baltimore, he took me under his wing; and he always served as a spirited sounding board and counselor during our work together through the U.S. Conference of Mayors. The only things we did not see eye-to-eye on were the friendly competitions between our cities' sports teams—something I knew he truly loved.

While we have lost a public service giant today, I am comforted by the fact that his impact will be felt in Boston—and across the nation—for generations. I will always treasure our memories together and aspire to honor his legacy."