I went to my first high school in New York on 85th and Lexington, Dwight York, later moving over to Walden on the West Side. I lived on 24th and Third and would take the IRT uptown from 23rd St.
Ed liked to campaign at the 77th st. station but If my memory serves me correctly I met him at 86th, closer to Papaya King, my favorite New York hot dog. We shook hands and had a short and now forgotten conversation. But I was instantly struck by the engaging likability of the man.
Ed was a great mayor, smart as hell, balanced the books, repaid the loans, sharp with a quip. One of my favorite politicians, I don't really give a shit if he was a closet gay or not. Nobody's frigging business. Ed would take on anybody, Bella Abzug, FDR, Cuomo. He never lied and he said what was on his mind. We need more public servants like him.
Some of my favorite quotes from the mayor:
I'm not the type to get ulcers. I give them.
Whether I am straight or gay or bisexual is nobody's business but mine.
The art of creation is older than the art of killing.
The mere process of growing old together will make the slightest acquaintance seem a bosom friend.
In action be primitive; in foresight, a strategist.
If you don't like the President, it costs you 90 bucks to fly to Washington to picket. If you don't like the Governor, it costs you 60 bucks to fly to Albany to picket. If you don't like me, 90 cents.
The People have spoken … and they must be punished.
If you agree with me on nine out of 12 issues, vote for me. If you agree with me on 12 out of 12 issues, see a psychiatrist.
2 comments:
Love(d) Papaya King- one of my betters NYC spots last summer.
never cared for the ulcers quote but i dig the others...Koch was a good guy, a good mayor and he clearly loved his city...i had high hopes for Villaraigosa when he took the reigns in LA, even attended his inauguration, but after two terms it's clear he's made a hash of things...and how about ex-SD Maureen O'Connor? sad...RIP, Mayor Ed.
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