And for the city’s birthday, we will host events in every neighborhood of the city, inviting all of our residents to share in the celebration of Boston’s great epic – the story of neighbors who support one another where it matters most.

Boston is the engine of the state’s economy.

2004 was a great year for Boston! The Patriots won the Super Bowl! Boston hosted its first national political convention! And – the Red Sox won the World Series!

Boston is safe. And we’re going to keep it safe.

For every $5 that Boston’s economy sends up to Beacon Hill, the state gives only $1 back to us.

Currently, Boston has only nine percent of the state’s population – but we provide more than 16 percent of the jobs and 19 percent of the state’s revenues.

Tonight, I am pleased to announce that I have secured $1 million from the Convention Host Committee to fund the beautification of Boston’s neighborhoods.

I’m proud to report that in 2004 alone, we approved 3,600 new units of housing – our best year ever!

In the 1990s, we introduced Boston’s community policing strategy. We reversed the tide of violent crime that threatened our city, and we established a national model for preventing and fighting crime.

I grew up with a Christmas tree, I’m going to stay with a Christmas tree.