Mayor touts residents, employees as 'beating heart' of Quincy at State of the City

QUINCY − No major announcements came during Mayor Thomas Koch's annual State of the City address Tuesday, where he spoke to the power of cooperation and highlighted the contributions of a dozen Quincy employees and residents.

In front of a crowd that included newly inaugurated Gov. Maura Healey, Koch shied away from any talk of specific projects or upcoming initiatives, choosing instead to focus on why he has "faith in the future" of Quincy. Koch, who was first elected in 2007, is the longest-serving mayor in Quincy's history and up for reelection in November. He has not said if he will run again.

"In the end, the beating heart of our city is in all of the people here with us today, and those beyond these walls," Koch said in the packed city hall chamber. "It's in the people who serve and protect their neighbors, the people who give their time and talent to make Quincy a better place."

The speech highlighted employees, volunteers and others who've given back to the city over the last decade, particularly since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. He mentioned the contributions of schoolteachers, DPW workers, first responders, nonprofit leaders and others.

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"Our heart is in the people like Rich Meade, the chairman of the planning board, and the dozens of resident volunteers who serve on our many boards and commissions," Koch said. "They do it because they want to, they do it because they care. They do it because the future of the city is important to them, and giving back is what it means to be part of this community."

By highlighting members of various departments, Koch touted recent projects including the expansion of the Pine Hills Cemetery, development of the city's downtown area and dozens of miles of road and watermain work.

Recently retired Director of Inspectional Services Jay Duca, Natural Resources foreman Steve Zambruno, longtime librarian Jesse Thuma and Squantum residents and volunteers Peggy and Jack Kelley were among those praised by the mayor.

"The people I mentioned today are symbols of what is right in our city," Koch said. "They answer the question of why I'm so confident in our future. ... There is no limit to what we can accomplish when we work together. Let us continue to be an example for that."

Koch, who has long talked about his close working relationship with former Republican Gov. Charlie Baker, said he and Democrat Maura Healy may not see eye to eye on everything, but will work together to do what is right for Quincy.

"Your natural leadership skills, your willingness to listen and your fundamental understanding of the challenges we face here in the commonwealth will serve you well," Koch said. "We wholeheartedly agree that our job is to improve the lives of the people of the city and the lives of the commonwealth."

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Reach Mary Whitfill at mwhitfill@patriotledger.com.

This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: Mayor touts residents, employees as 'beating heart' of Quincy