Ed Koch
Ed Koch
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Full Name and Common Aliases
Edward Irving Koch was born on December 12, 1924, in the Bronx, New York City. He is commonly known as "Hizzoner" due to his tenure as Mayor of New York City.
Birth and Death Dates
Birth: December 12, 1924
Death: February 1, 2013 (at age 88)
Nationality and Profession(s)
Koch was an American politician who served as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New York's 18th congressional district from 1969 to 1977 and as the Mayor of New York City from 1978 to 1989.
Early Life
Ed Koch grew up in Ozone Park, Queens, in a Jewish family. His parents, Joseph and Jeanette Koch, emigrated from Poland before his birth. Koch developed an interest in law at an early age and attended Stuyvesant High School. He went on to study at the City College of New York (CCNY), where he graduated with a Bachelor's degree in 1945. After serving in the U.S. Army during World War II, Koch earned his law degree from New York University School of Law.
Major Accomplishments
During his tenure as Mayor, Koch focused on reviving the city's economy and improving its infrastructure. Some of his notable achievements include:
Implementing a comprehensive plan to renovate and improve New York City's public housing system
Creating the "5-Borough Bus Plan," which transformed the city's bus network and introduced the first free transfer policy in the world
Launching the "SummerStage" festival, which brought live music and theater performances to parks across the five boroughsNotable Works or Actions
In addition to his mayoral accomplishments, Koch was a prolific writer. He published several books on politics and history, including:
"Politics"
"Mayor
"Out of Crisis: New York in War and Peace
Impact and Legacy
Ed Koch's impact on New York City is still felt today. His efforts to revitalize the city's economy and improve its infrastructure laid the groundwork for future generations of leaders. His commitment to public housing reform has inspired policymakers across the country.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Koch was known for his straightforward, no-nonsense approach to politics. He was a strong advocate for fiscal responsibility and was often at odds with his colleagues in City Hall. However, he also had a reputation for being a good listener and was willing to work across party lines to achieve common goals.
Throughout his career, Koch's wit and humor made him a favorite among New Yorkers. His catchphrase, "How'm I doin'?", became an iconic phrase synonymous with the city itself.
In the years since his passing, Koch has remained an important figure in American politics. His legacy continues to inspire new generations of leaders, and his quotes remain some of the most memorable in history.
Quotes by Ed Koch
Ed Koch's insights on:
The mere process of growing old together will make the slightest acquaintance seem a bosom friend.
I am not for public executions, though I support the death penalty. One, it's an appropriate punishment in horrific cases, and two, it's a deterrent. There are studies that say that for every person executed, eight innocent people who might otherwise have been murdered were not.
