November 2, 2009 Menino cites budget handling in case for re-election Play video

(NECN) - On the eve of the mayoral election, 4-term incumbent Mayor Thomas Menino appeared on NECN's Broadside: The News with Jim Braude. His challenger is City Councilor Michael Flaherty, who also appeared on the program.

Facing the question of whether term limits should be installed for the position of Mayor of Boston, Menino cited built-up knowledge as a reason against such a change to the law.

"Look what we did last year with the budget crunch we had. We were able to get through that budget crunch because of the knowledge we had in how to handle that budget. We didn't close one police station, we didn't close one fire station -- matter of fact, we opened two libraries. We continued to move the city forward," Mayor Menino said.

He said the biggest reason to re-elect him for a fifth term is the way his administration handles the budget, especially in these economic times.

Later in the interview, the mayor denied the charge put forth by Flaherty that he was a vindictive official. Though he admitted that he does get angry with people, as anyone does, he said that it does not lead to a longstanding grudge.

"I get angry today, but I forget about it the next day. Because I can't stay angry at anyone, because I'm trying to move a city forward," Mayor Menino said.

Watch complete interview in the video player above. You