When I came in, the city was on the edge of bankruptcy. I'm proud of what I did. I built the foundation that mayors after me built upon - particularly Bloomberg. But the foundation was essential because if it hadn't occurred, we would have been another Detroit.

But enough of me. Lets talk about you. What do you think of me?

I don't want to leave Manhattan, even when I'm gone.

I know many writers who first dictate passages, then polish what they have dictated. I speak, then I polish - occasionally I do windows.

I can explain it to you, but I can't comprehend it for you.

I'm just a simple Jewish boy from the Bronx.

God gave me a very good hand to play over my 88 years. I have no regrets.