Contact: Colleen Roche (212) 788-2958, Curt Ritter 212-788-2971
Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani today administered the oath of office to Queens Borough President Claire Shulman during inauguration ceremonies at Terrace on the Park in Flushing Meadows Park, Queens.
"Twelve years ago, when Claire took office in January of 1986, Queens was at a crossroads," said Mayor Giuliani. "She was a pioneer who became the first woman to be elected Borough President. Under her exceptional leadership, Queens is now a thriving center of economic growth and revitalization. She has guided the way through good times and bad, and through it all she has confronted every challenge head on with unshakable integrity, courage and resolve.
"Since Claire has been in office, the economy in Queens has been revitalized," the Mayor continued. "Record capital construction programs have improved the Borough's infrastructure. Queens Hospital has become stronger than ever, and senior citizen centers, cultural programs and libraries have all received increased funding. Take a look at Queens today and you will see the legacy of Claire's work. The Queens Theater in the Park, the Wildlife Center, the Queens Museum of Art and the Hall of Science. Each of these will leave a legacy of beauty and culture to uplift and inspire future generations of New Yorkers. To add to this list of achievements, I'm proud to say that the City will move forward with our plan for a direct rail link from Manhattan to La Guardia and to Kennedy Airports.
"More than any other place in the world, Queens is defined by its diversity," the Mayor continued. "It's the most ethnically diverse county in the nation. A Borough with so many cultures and traditions requires a special kind of leadership and a special kind of leader. In Claire Shulman, the people of Queens found just that. I cannot think of a better person to guide Queens into the 21st Century," the Mayor concluded.