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Meng Issues Statement on Death of Former Queens Borough President Claire Shulman

August 16, 2020
QUEENS, NY – U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) tonight issued the following statement on the death of former Queens Borough President Claire Shulman.
"I am devastated about the passing of Claire Shulman. A great friend, mentor, and role model, she was an incredible woman and a political icon who during her time as Borough President was the embodiment of Queens.
Claire absolutely loved the borough that she led for 16 years, and she never stopped fighting for its residents. She made so many contributions – way too many to mention – that had tremendous and long-lasting impacts on the lives of countless individuals, and she continued working to improve the borough well beyond her service as Borough President.
Claire believed strongly in empowering women and pushing for more women in leadership positions, particularly in public service, way before it was popular to do so. She always believed in me, encouraged me, and set high standards that I strove to achieve.
Queens is a better place thanks to Claire Shulman and I and so many owe her an immense debt of gratitude for everything that she did for our borough, and I will forever be in her debt for all the help, advice and encouragement that she provided to me.
I spoke with Claire recently and the last thing she said to me was ‘I want to thank you for your excellent work in Washington and tell you how proud I am of you.' There is no way to describe how much that meant to me. I am so proud and fortunate to have known her, and I will always hold on to those words.
I will never stop treasuring the close relationship we had, and the special bond we shared. I will always cherish the memories I have with her, and although she will deeply be missed, her work and legacy will continue to carry on.
At this difficult time, I send my deepest condolences to her family and friends."