Friday on The Cycle we pay respects to our former Mayor Ed Koch, lawyer, politician, political commentator, and The People's Court judge. Ever a true New Yorker with his sharp tongue and combative spirit, Koch led the nation's largest city for three-terms spanning 1978-1989. He is credited with rescuing the city from near financial ruin. New York's iconic mayor maintained a high profile post mayor-ship as a political pundit and TV personality.
"In many ways Ed Koch never stopped being mayor," said Police Commissioner Ray Kelly Friday. "He was personally engaged in the issues of the day, including those involving the Police Department, frequently seeking information from us and offering his opinion personally and in writing. I was privileged to consider him a friend and I am grateful that I had a few more times to be with him, on Tuesday and again last night, before he finally left New York for someplace better—although he'd probably argue that's not possible."
Mayor Bloomberg will pay tribute to the former Mayor at Grand Central Terminal Friday morning and all flags in New York City will be flown at half staff. Koch's funeral will be held Monday.