Craig Galvin strode into the Minot Mud House on Tuesday morning to practically a hero's welcome. Some jabs from a friend, a few yells from the counter sitters, and the Mayor of Dorchester was automatically at ease in his "artificial office," as he calls it. Galvin seems to be at his best surrounded by the people, which is one of the reasons he says he threw his hat into the ceremonial mayoral ring. As he prepares for his first day "in office" this weekend at the Dorchester Day Parade, he took some time to sit with the press for a short interview at headquarters. The real estate agent who grew up on Minot Street spoke about why he wanted to be the mayor, what he plans on doing with his title, and why he loves his neighborhood so much.

Why did you decide to run for Mayor of Dorchester?

I saw an opportunity for the people here to have more participation in the parade and Dorchester Day than there had been in the past.

How did your campaign go?

I said I wanted to do it the right way and was going to go out and raise the most money any one person had raised before. And the amount of people that came out in support was amazing. We raised close to $30,000.

What do you have in line of Mayoral plans?

You know, you always hear politicians making promises out there, well my one promise is 'I promise not to make any promises.'

If you had to identify yourself with one Boston politician, who would it be?

James Michael Curley. He was a man of the people and he never forgot his friends.

Who is your favorite Boston athlete?

Tom Brady, because of his awareness of the community and of his team.

Who is your favorite Dorchester celebrity?

Marky Mark, do I have any other options? No, Marky Mark because of his commitment to his community. He never forgot the town he grew up in. And because of his acting.

What is your best Dorchester story?

You know, I don't have one, and that's what I love about this town because there are a million of them. The people here are so willing to help you out, and want to help you out. They are always willing to chip in, and that's what makes it so great.

What is your favorite Dorchester restaurant?

[After a quick glance at his surroundings] The Mud House.

And your favorite order there?

The tuna rollup with tomatoes and pickles.

What is your favorite bar in Dot?

The Eire Pub.

What will be the best part of being Mayor of Dorchester?

The people. One thing I learned during this whole thing was how much people are willing to help out. People were always trying to help out, contribute. I'd come home from a hard day at work and find envelopes with people donating. You know, $20 check, ten bucks, five bucks in cash, just everyone wanted to help out. People that you have known your whole life, known who they were but not necessarily close to them, you know? I'd open the door and there would be envelopes of them just kicking in.

You held a boxing tournament as a fundraiser. How did that work out and do you think that could continue in the future?

We raised $30,000 doing that, but had to give $10,000 back, so it brought in $20,000. But it should be an annual event, I think.

Who would win in a boxing match, The Mayor of Dorchester or the Mayor of Boston?

Well, probably the Mayor. He's up at four in the morning. I can't mess with a guy who gets up at four a.m. and goes to bed at midnight.

What's your favorite part of Dorchester Day?

It's got to be the people that come back. You know, the people that have left but off-the-record still wished they were here. You see the people you see all the time, but it's great because of those people that you only see a few times a year. It's good to see your friends, but also the ones you don't get to see every day.

One year from today, when you look back at your time as Mayor, what do want to think about?

I'm hoping that I inspired people to be involved and I hope it might inspire people to help out in the community.