While I am discovering some of the ups and  downs of living in a big, famous city (fantastic art—yay! high rent—booo … cool like-minded folks—yay! all the good library books checked out—booo), one of the things my long-time San Franciscan friends may not appreciate is that no one has ever—or will ever—erect a billboard that says “Come to San Francisco … I Swear, It’s Fun.” As was done in Hartford not so long ago.

I love Hartford. I miss Hartford. Hartford still has a growing economy (!) and is woefully underappreciated. Of course, low expectations are often accompanied by opportunity.

In many ways I am reminded of the diversity, determination, activism and liberal spirit of people I met there on a daily basis as I explore my new city. So I was excited to read this tribute to Mayor Mike, written by Helder Mira, which captures the spirit of both a Hartford progressive and a Hartford legend.