BOSTON -- If re-elected to a fifth term, Boston's Mayor Thomas Menino would become the city’s longest-serving mayor. Hard to believe he once promised to serve only two terms.

To be sure, his 15-year tenure includes many accomplishments in a city regarded as one that "works”: new buildings, a more streamlined development process and impressive accessibility. According to a recent poll, more than half of Boston’s residents say they have met the mayor.

Moreover, no one can doubt him when he says he loves his job, loves his city. What Mayor Menino doesn't seem to love is debating his opponents. Ask former city councilor and mayoral hopeful Peggy Davis-Mullen, who in 2001 scored one televised debate on a sleepy Sunday morning. With today's economic crisis, citizens demand accountability from elected officials. As the longtime incumbent, he is free to tout his record.

Nevertheless, he also needs to defend it. Persistent problems with the city’s fire department, crippling health care costs and a vision for what's next for Boston demand vigorous debate. To date, Mayor Menino has had many offers and invitations to debate but has not yet committed to any. We sincerely hope that he will, for both the Democratic primary and the general election. Boston’s voters need to hear and see him, as well as the other candidates -- front and center -- earning their vote of confidence.