Shulman leaves behind legacy for the ages
TIMESLEDGER | QNS.COM | AUG. 21-27, 2020 7
today. “From zero dollars to $9
billion is not bad at all.”
Paving the way
After Shulman was termlimited,
she was succeeded by
Helen Marshall, and then Katz,
who remembers Shulman as a
trailblazer, a fierce leader who
dedicated her life to bettering
the lives of all Queens residents
who paved the way for women
leaders across the borough.
“I was honored to follow in
her footsteps as Queens borough
president and owe her a
great debt of gratitude for her
amazing leadership and profound
dedication to public service,”
Katz said. “Claire was
absolutely pivotal to the vibrancy
and prosperity of Queens
County that we continue to enjoy
today.”
Acting Borough President
Sharon Lee said her office will
host a special tribute in the
coming days to honor the life
and legacy of Shulman, who
she called larger than life.
“She did not waste time and
lived every single minute fully
and with purpose. In a borough
known for trailblazers,
few have led a life of dedicated
public service as robust and as
effective as Claire Shulman,”
Lee said. “You just couldn’t
say no to Claire Shulman. She
transformed the landscape of
the city’s largest borough, and
so much of what we see and enjoy
today are the results of her
extraordinary vision and decisions
made over 18 years ago.”
Shulman’s legacy will be
likely carried on at Borough
Hall by Councilman Donovan
Richards, whom she endorsed
in a wide-open race for borough
president. He won the June 23
Democratic primary.
“I lost a good friend last
night. Queens lost a true gem
last night,” Richards said Monday.
“Her strength, tenacity and
persistence is why she led the
borough of Queens with honor
and such distinction for nearly
two decades. When I made the
decision to run for borough
president, I reached out to
Claire for advice, mentorship
and support. Our first meeting
lasted nearly five hours at
her kitchen table, where she
proceeded to give me a history
lesson on Queens.”
Shulman stood alongside
Richards under the Unisphere
in October 2019 as he announced
his candidacy.
“But more importantly she
was there for the entire ride.
Yes, in her 90s, she texted me
just about every morning to
check in on the campaign,”
Richards said. “In true motherly
fashion, she would worry a
little too much. When I won the
democratic nomination, she
was my first call. Last week,
she called to tell me her final
goodbye. She had no fear as she
prepared for her next journey. I
told her I loved her and we shall
meet again. She will forever
live on through my work and
heart.”
Shulman was still working
as president of the Flushing
Willets Point Corona Local Development
Corporation when
she died at her home surrounded
by her children, former astronaut
Ellen Baker, and Larry
and Linda Shulman.
Reach reporter Bill Parry by
e-mail at bparry@schnepsmedia.
com or by phone at (718)
260–4538.
Queens Borough President Helen Marshall is joined by her predecessor Claire Shulman at an
inauguration ceremony for Marshall’s second term in 2006. QNS fi le photo
Queens Borough President Melinda Katz (r.), was honored at the
Flushing Town Hall event, with former Borough President Claire
Shulman at her side.
Donovan Richards announces his campaign for Queens borough president, with Claire Shulman standing at his side. QNS fi le photo
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