Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino says he still has the energy — and things he wants to accomplish

By Andrew Ryan, Globe Staff

A remarkably stronger Mayor Thomas M. Menino held court today in his office at City Hall, speaking with new vigor about his plans for Boston, reflecting on his eight-week hospitalization, and suggesting that he may indeed seek a sixth term this fall.

“I still have the energy,” Menino told a half-dozen reporters when asked if he would seek reelection. “If I believe I can make a difference and move the city forward, that’s my future. If I believe I’m going to just sit here and get the glories of the last 19 years, that’s not Tom Menino.”

“I have a lot more things to do. I have a lot more things I want to accomplish in this city,” he continued.

Menino also talked about his recovery and political issues of the day, from the push for a casino in East Boston to the debate over the need for increased gun regulation.

Menino, 70, made his first appearance at City Hall last week after an 11-week absence. He left City Hall on Oct. 14 for a two-week trip to Italy with his wife to celebrate their anniversary. Feeling ill, Menino cut the trip short, returned to Boston, and was admitted to Brigham and Women’s Hospital on Oct. 26.

Doctors initially diagnosed Menino with an upper respiratory infection and a blood clot that traveled from a leg to his lungs. In the hospital, he suffered a spine fracture. Menino had begun to recover from the fracture, doctors have said, when he developed an infection in the same area. Tests showed that the mayor has type 2 diabetes, which can cause greater susceptibility to infections.

Menino transferred to Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in late November, where he was expected to regain his strength. He was released just before Christmas. Menino has continued his convalescence at the city-owned Parkman House, a mansion on Beacon Street not far from the State House and City Hall.

Menino’s home in Hyde Park is a 30-minute drive from Government Center. Living at the nearby Parkman House has allowed the mayor to schedule office hours around his daily physical therapy sessions. The mansion also has an elevator — climbing stairs has been particularly difficult for Menino since his illness.

Aides have not said how long Menino will live at the Parkman House. Menino, a five-term mayor, has one year remaining in office and has not said publicly if he will seek reelection.