"Bill Lynch stood at the center of one of our city's most important moments, the election of David Dinkins as New York City's first African-American Mayor. He sought to better our city by bringing people together and served as Deputy Mayor because he wanted to make a difference for New Yorkers. He spent his life passionately pursuing his ideals - civil rights and social justice. Many of the most influential political leaders - here in the city and also on the national level - sought his counsel. He lived a remarkable life, and my thoughts and prayers are with his family."