Nov 3, 2009 12:39 pm US/Eastern
Strong Turnout Expected For Boston Mayor's Race
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
Many Boston voters got an early start to Election Day when polls opened at 7 this morning at 156 locations around the city.
Voter turnout is expected to be strong because the mayoral election has been the most competitive race in 16 years.
Mayor Tom Menino was one of the first in line at his precinct in Hyde Park. If he wins today's election, Menino would serve an unprecedented fifth term.
Just before he cast his ballot this morning, Menino told reporters, "I feel great, enthusiastic. We're out there working hard everyday. It's not about me, it's about the people of Boston. It's about what can I do for the next four years."
Michael Flaherty, a democrat from South Boston who has served on the city council for 10 years is giving Menino his toughest race yet. Flaherty has run on a platform of change, claiming the city needs new leadership.
Flaherty said, "People are losing their jobs, they're losing their homes. And they need someone to roll up their sleeves and throw their shoulder into it. I have the passion, the energy, the commitment and the skill set to get the job done for Bostonians."
There are over 350,000 registered voters in the city. Election officials say that's more than any race in a decade. Voters today seemed to express similar themes to the candidates' campaigns.
Chuck Crocetti told WBZ he and his wife, Marie, voted for Mayor Menino. "We've been very satisfied. We've been through Flynn, White and Menino. Menino is what he wants to be, the mayor of this city. And he's doing a good job."
Sandra Sizer supports Michael Flaherty because she is looking for new leadership. "I think Menino has been in office too long. I think he's unsophisticated, I think if Boston wants to be a world class city, we need someone who is more forward looking."
The polls will be open until 8 p.m. tonight.
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