Ed Koch Biography

Fast Facts

• When he was drafted into the Army in 1943, his college career at the City College of New York was cut short, but after leaving the service as a sergeant, he studied law at New York University
• Started his work in public service in 1963 as a district leader in Greenwich Village, then served on the New York City Council
• Quote: "If you agree with me on nine out of twelve issues, vote for me․ If you agree with me on twelve out of twelve issues, see a psychiatrist․"
• Quote: "I'm the sort of person who will never get ulcers․ Why? Because I say exactly what I think․ I'm the sort of person who might give other people ulcers․"
• After leaving office as New York City's mayor, he hosted a radio show, wrote columns for newspapers and made cameo appearances as himself in a number of television series and films
• As the mayor of New York City, he gained nationwide recognition for his brash, larger than life, public image, and was known to greet his constituents with the phrase "How'm I doin'?"
• Posted his online reviews of movies at The Mayor at the Movies site