Koppell Says "No Thanks" To 2009 Beep Run

With the term limit shuffle fast approaching in 2008, City Council Members across the City are beginning to make up their minds on whether or not they will seek higher office. For many of them, that higher office is borough president, and already they are jockeying for position.

In The Bronx, one name that has come up as a potential candidate in recent weeks is former Attorney General and current Councilman G. Oliver Koppell, whose has been named in various reports as potential candidate who could potentially pull out a victory in a racially-split field of candidates. But if a racial split is what your looking for, Bronx voters will have to find another candidate. Koppell is not interested.

"I've not given it any thought," said Koppell when asked if he was considering a run, though he first flat out said "no" when asked. "I'll never say never, but the likelihood is very small."

Even the lack of a race is not stopping Koppell from raising money, however. A celebration of his 30 years as an elected official will be held later this month at the Riverdale home of famous subway dermatologist Dr. Jonathan Zizmor. Perhaps, at the end of the evening, Koppell will shout out "thank you, Dr. Zizmor," in gratitude for the party.