Flashback To 1982
Don't Think Mayor Will Go To Albany

Mayor Koch's plane was still hours away from landing at Kennedy Airport but already City Hall was buzzing with speculation that the mayor might be considering a run for the governor's office after all.

Councilmember Peter Vallone, (DAstoria), pointed out that Koch has indicated he couldn't take living and working in Albany.

"The city needs him as mayor," Vallone said. "The city needs him for at least four more years. Maybe Koch could run for governor four years from now but, right now he's needed here as mayor."

Councilmember-at-large Jack Muratori, Queens Republican leader, says Koch's popularity would drop dramatically if he were to enter the gubernatorial race.

"I just don't believe he's entertaining that idea," he said. "He has promised the electorate here that he will not run for any office other than mayor. If he runs for governor he will have broken the faith with the people of this city. I don't see him going back on his word."

Brooklyn Councilmember Abe Gerges, whose political performance has angered Koch during the past four years, says Koch would make a "strong candidate" for governor.

"He has said he isn't running," Gerges said. "But he can't be ignored as a possible candidate."

Bronx Councilmember Aileen Ryan says Koch would make a good governor. But, she said in response to a question, one might make a strong case in claiming that Koch owes it to the city to finish his four year term here.