But the councillors say that he usually has the best interest of the city in mind.
"He likes to try to come off as a tough guy, but he's really a softy who cares a lot about those who have struggled in our city," Maher says. "In many ways, he's the conscience of the city."
Jones says his love of the city and how it operates keeps him interested, and his good relationship with council members has made him feel at home at City Hall.
"The council's very good to me," Jones said. "I admire all the councillors. They treat me with respect."
And councillors return the admiration, saying he has come to symbolize the unique character of Cambridge.
"No one loves the city more than he does," Braude says.
--Staff writer Imtiyaz H. Delawala can be reached at delawala@fas.harvard.edu.