“He said, ‘Keep up the good work, pal,’ ” Igor Kharitonenkov said of meeting Menino. “It was real quick, but it was a cool moment.’’

Paul Sedgwick said he has shaken Menino’s hand about a dozen times. “He loves to meet the people he serves,” said Sedgwick,

"If he feels he can’t continue at the same capacity, then he should step down.” said 20-year-old Eddie Johnson.

“He supports new businesses, and construction has gone up,” said Kim LaDue. “It’s allowed more people to live in the city more comfortably.”

“I think Boston is one of the most welcoming cities now, and I think the mayor has made a big difference on that,” said John Willshire Carrera.