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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PR- 350-09
July 29, 2009

STATEMENT OF MAYOR MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG ON THE DEATH OF FORMER STATE SENATOR OLGA A. MENDEZ

“It was with deep sadness that I learned this morning of the passing of my friend and advisor Dr. Olga A. Mendez. Olga’s election to the State Senate as its first Puerto Rican woman was a tremendous symbol of hope for a community that now had a seat at the table. But Olga’s life was an inspiration to countless others, because the doors she bravely pushed opened stayed open for everyone else. 

“When I first entered public service eight years ago, Olga sat me down and impressed upon me – in her inimitable way – the importance of reaching across partisan lines to do what’s right for your constituents. That’s a lesson I carry with me every day, and one that’s informed our administration’s approach to everything we do, including the issues Olga focused on most acutely: educating our children, creating jobs, supporting small businesses, and developing affordable housing.

“Diagnosed with cancer in the early 1990s, Olga didn’t recoil from public life or attempt to hide her condition.  Instead, she shared her story and her struggle with others. But Olga’s legacy will live on with all New Yorkers who benefitted from this incomparable woman, who courageously broke barriers and overcame obstacles in her way. 

“Nuestros pensamientos y oraciones están con Olga, su familia y los miles de amigos y seguidores que fueron tocados por la vida de esta gran señora.”







MEDIA CONTACT:


Stu Loeser   (212) 788-2958




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