Ed Koch

Ed Koch
Name	Ed Koch
Caption	Koch in 1978
Order	105th
Office	Mayor of New York City
Term start	January 1, 1978
Term end	December 31, 1989
Predecessor	Abraham Beame
Successor	David Dinkins
Office2	Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from New York's 18th congressional district
Term start2	January 3, 1969
Term end2	December 31, 1977
Predecessor2	Joseph Y. Resnick
Successor2	S. William Green
Office3	Member of the New York City Council from the 2nd district
Term start3	1967
Term end3	1969
Predecessor3	District established
Successor3	Carol Greitzer
Birth name	Edward Irving Koch
Birth date	December 12, 1924
Birth place	The Bronx, New York City, U.S.
Death date	February 1, 2013 (aged 88)
Death place	Manhattan, New York City, U.S.
Party	Democratic
Education	City College of New York (BA), New York University (LLB)
Allegiance	United States
Branch	United States Army
Serviceyears	1943–1946
Rank	Sergeant
Unit	104th Infantry Division
Battles	World War II

Ed Koch was an American politician, lawyer, and commentator who served as the 105th Mayor of New York City from 1978 to 1989. A member of the Democratic Party, he previously served as a member of the United States House of Representatives and the New York City Council. His three terms as mayor were defined by a combative, charismatic personality and a focus on stabilizing the city's finances and revitalizing its neighborhoods following the 1975 New York City fiscal crisis. Koch's tenure saw significant achievements in housing development and infrastructure but was also marred by rising racial tensions and corruption scandals within his administration.

Early life and education

Edward Irving Koch was born on December 12, 1924, in the Crotona Park section of The Bronx, to Polish Jewish immigrants Joyce and Louis Koch. His family later moved to Newark, New Jersey, and then to Brooklyn. He attended City College of New York, graduating in 1945, and after serving in the United States Army during World War II, he earned his Bachelor of Laws from New York University School of Law in 1948. He was admitted to the New York State Bar Association the following year and began practicing law in Manhattan.

Political career

Koch's political career began with his involvement in the reform movement against the Tammany Hall Democratic machine. He was a co-founder of the Greenwich Village Independent Democrats and managed the successful 1963 New York City Council campaign for Carol Greitzer. In 1966, he was elected to the New York City Council himself. Two years later, he was elected to the United States House of Representatives, representing New York's 17th and later the 18th district, which included parts of Manhattan like the Upper West Side and Greenwich Village. In Congress, he was a liberal Democrat, supporting civil rights legislation and opposing the Vietnam War.

Mayor of New York City

In 1977, Koch won a crowded Democratic primary and then the general election to succeed Abraham Beame as Mayor of New York City. Taking office during the aftermath of the severe 1975 New York City fiscal crisis, his administration prioritized fiscal austerity and worked closely with the New York State Financial Control Board to restore the city's credit. He launched a massive, decade-long program to rehabilitate over 100,000 units of city-owned housing. His tenure saw major infrastructure projects, including the repair of the Williamsburg Bridge and the beginning of the Third Water Tunnel. However, his confrontational style and policies contributed to increased racial strife, exemplified by conflicts with the Black community over incidents like the shooting of Michael Stewart and the handling of the Howard Beach incident. Corruption scandals, which ensnared figures like Bronx Democratic Party leader Stanley Friedman and Queens Borough President Donald Manes, also tarnished his final term.

Post-mayoral career

After leaving Gracie Mansion in 1989, Koch remained a prominent public figure. He returned to practicing law at the firm Bryan Cave, hosted a radio show on WABC (AM), and served as a judge on The People's Court from 1997 to 1999. He was a frequent political commentator, writing columns for the New York Post and other publications, and authored several books, including his autobiography Mayor. He remained active in Democratic politics, offering often blunt endorsements, and was a vocal supporter of Israel, receiving awards from organizations like the American Jewish Committee.

Personal life and death

Koch never married and lived for most of his life in Greenwich Village. He was private about his personal life but later confirmed he was comfortable being perceived as a bachelor. He was a lifelong New York Mets fan. In September 2012, he was hospitalized for fluid in his lungs and was readmitted in January 2013. He died of congestive heart failure on February 1, 2013, at the age of 88. His funeral was held at Temple Emanu-El, with eulogies delivered by figures like Michael Bloomberg and Bill Clinton. He was buried in Trinity Church Cemetery in Manhattan.

Legacy and honors

Koch's legacy is that of a pivotal, polarizing figure who helped steer New York City from the brink of bankruptcy. The massive public housing rehabilitation program is often considered his most enduring physical achievement. The Queensboro Bridge was officially renamed the Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge in 2011. A New York City Subway station at 59th Street–Columbus Circle was co-named in his honor, and his grave site became a minor tourist attraction. His famous catchphrase, "How'm I doin'?", remains indelibly linked to his persona. Documentaries like *Koch* and plays like The Last Word have examined his complex impact on the city's political and social landscape.

Category:Mayors of New York City Category:American people of Polish-Jewish descent Category:New York University School of Law alumni