RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The Honorable Edward Koch has been called to eternal life by the wisdom of God at the age of 88; and
WHEREAS, The Chicago City Council has been informed of his passing by Alderman Edward M. Burke; and
WHEREAS, The Honorable Edward Koch was the cherished brother of Pat Koch Thaler and the late Harold M. Koch with whom he shared many of the fine and noble qualities that he possessed in abundance; and
WHEREAS, A native of Crotona Park East in the Bronx, the Honorable Edward Koch won his first election as a New York City alderman for Greenwich Village in 1963; and
WHEREAS, As a United States Representative for New York from 1969 to 1977, the Honorable Edward Koch was admired by liberals and conservatives alike for his work ethic and commitment to issues of importance to his constituents; and
WHEREAS, Elected to his first term as Mayor in 1978, the Honorable Edward Koch helped stabilize the finances of New York City and set the stage for its phenomenal recovery in the following decade; and
WHEREAS, When he was re-elected in 1981 with a historic 75 percent of the vote, the Honorable Edward Koch was the first Mayor of New York to win both the Democratic and Republican nominations; and
WHEREAS, During his three terms as Mayor, the Honorable Edward Koch eliminated wasteful spending, rebuilt failing infrastructure and instituted a successful housing plan that reduced vacancies and renewed blighted neighborhoods; and
WHEREAS, After leaving office, the Honorable Edward Koch continued to play a notable role as a writer, political pundit and advocate for New York City; and
WHEREAS, The Honorable Edward Koch had a penchant for speaking his mind that embodied the brash spirit of the city he loved so much and served so faithfully; and
WHEREAS, The hard work, sacrifice and dedication of the Honorable Edward Koch serve as an example to all; and
WHEREAS, His love of life and ability to live it to the fullest endeared the Honorable Edward Koch to his family members, friends and all who knew him, and enabled him to enrich their lives in ways they will never forget; and
WHEREAS, To his beloved family, the Honorable Edward Koch imparts a legacy of faithfulness, service and dignity; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and the members of the Chicago City Council, assembled this thirteenth day of February, 2013, do hereby commemorate the Honorable Edward Koch for his grace-filled life and do hereby express our condolences to his family; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of the Honorable Edward Koch.