Ed Koch Quotes

I don't want to run for governor, but I don't think anyone should put public service out of the question because that's not what a good citizen does.

I think we need politicians; we need people who want to serve.

After thinking carefully about how I can best help my fellow Minnesotans, I have decided to not seek election for a different office in 2014. The warm encouragement from many people to run for U.S. senator or the governorship was deeply humbling.

I would like to run for the mayor of the city of Chicago. That has always been an aspiration of mine even when I was in the House of Representatives.

I always tell people this: to be a savvy politician or a good head of state and to be charitable are not mutually exclusive things.

Whenever people say, 'You should be president,' I say, 'I thought you liked me.' Listen, I thought being mayor of Stamford was a wonderful job. Being governor of a state for a period of time is a wonderful job, and I'm not sure I'm at all attracted to Washington.

I’m the first to say that I’ve no idea what I’m doing. There is no manual here for how to be mayor.

One never expected from a Congressman more than good intentions and public spirit.

There are two rules for mayors: Be there and do something.

Boy Governor

You might be considering elected office because you are angry with those in power. Indignation can be a motivator to run but not to govern. If you win you'll need more than anger to govern.

Once you've been a mayor, you look to try to get things done.

I continue to aspire to serve Colombia as president.

I ran for public office to do something good.

I think we can do better with our politicians. I think I'd make a good one, because I like people.

Even through sports, I have been serving the country. But later, I want to join politics.

What gets you out of bed in the morning? This is a question I'm often asked as a politician. It tends to be closely followed by a dozen other questions about what I'll do in 'x' scenario or whether I'll resign if 'y' happens.

I'll be the mayor of all the people.

Politics was put in front of me. I do politics because it's the vehicle for change and because I happen to be good at it... I had this sort of calm fearlessness, that some would call foolishness.

I would not run for president. I really like what I'm doing now. People say I'm giving them energy and hope.

Running for office was definitely something I've thought about. When I was younger, I wanted to major in political science. And I've been engaged in current events since I was a kid. If I can make a difference and feel passionately and capable, then I would. Why not?

At the moment I am a little bit politician, yes. I think that could be my next step. It is not because I want power, it is because of what I think I could do for the people.

School boards can be a steppingstone to higher forms of political leadership.

I grew up thinking that if I wanted to go be prime minister, I could.

I think I'd make a pretty good president, and they have a great pension plan.