Transcript: Mayor de Blasio Delivers Remarks Honoring Council Member Robert Cornegy for Receiving the Guinness World Record for World's Tallest Male Politician

March 27, 2019

Mayor Bill de Blasio: You know, on behalf of tall people everywhere I want to say this is a great moment for our community. Yes, it is true, I am the tallest person to ever serve as Mayor but today we're going to recognize someone even taller. And I want to say, Dr. Easterling, thank you – thank you very much for your opening comments and I think this is also going to mark the beginning of a new occasion every year – Tallness Awareness Day.

[Laughter]

You know – have you hugged a tall person today, have you helped them when they bumped their head on the subway? You know, we just have to think about all this and be sensitive.

So, alright, just like Dr. Easterling, I'm going to ride this wave a little bit here. Today, we're here to bring honor to someone who has brought politics to new heights.

[Laughter]

Even at my size, I look up to Robert Cornegy.

[Laughter]

And don't take – these are great. The writers, they're amazing.

[Laughter]

But seriously, this is a matter of fact and don't take it from me, take it from the Guinness Book of World Records. This is amazing. You, my friends, are in the presence of the world's tallest elected official.

[Applause]

Now, to be clear, his parents get responsibility and we thank them for the tallness but the elected official part was him and his family working so hard in public service. And clearly, I remember, Robert, when you were coming up – I remember you ran for Council in a very crowded field and it was not easy but you had done so much good in the community. People saw your earnestness, your commitment. So, you wouldn't be getting this world record today if you had not done that hard work to become that elected official. So, let's honor that hard work and we appreciate it.

[Applause]

Now, a tall man needs a tall family – and four of his six children are here. So, let's hear it for Nicolas and Nia and N'Kosi and Noah –

[Applause]

And you, sir, remind me of your name – Noah, said to me coming in, he's only 11. So, he's immediately claiming the fact that he is going to be much taller before [inaudible] –

[Laughter]

Now, this great city of ours – there are a lot of skyscrapers in New York City but Council Member Robert Cornegy is the only one who serves in the City Council.

[Laughter]

Robert's contributions are as giant as he is. And now, this is actual stuff – and I saw it with my own eyes. He fought tirelessly for something that had been wanted for a generation – to get a community center for the Marcy Houses. Congratulations for that –

[Applause]

He is a family man and a feminist, so he co-sponsored a bill that ensured New York City would provide lactation rooms to any mother who needs one. And that is progress for our city.

[Applause]

He has been one of the leaders on fostering and supporting minority- and women-owned businesses. And he is the Chair of the M/WBE Task Force in the City Council.

[Applause]

And in the fight for affordable housing, one of the great leaders today is the Chair of the Housing and Buildings Committee at the City Council – who is also Robert Cornegy.

[Applause]

He has achieved a lot and he has a lot to be proud of, but this man's head is never in the clouds – despite the fact that his head is quite literally always in the clouds.

[Laughter]

I can't wait to see what world record Robert Cornegy breaks next. He has limitless potential and we are very proud of you today and so, Robert, let's have a moment to celebrate you with the official [inaudible] –

[Applause]

I don't think I've been in the presence of someone who won a Guinness World Record before.

[Applause]

[...]

I just want to conclude – I just want to summarize what Robert said –

[Laughter]

Unknown: Use the step, Mr. Mayor!

[Laughter]

Mayor: I want to announce that I have won the Guinness World Record – upon further reflection, the Guinness people decided. I just want to say – I want to summarize a very heartfelt, inspirational message that Robert just gave us in these simple words.

Aim high.

[Laughter]

[Applause]