NEW YORK (WCBS 880) —A Brooklyn City Councilman has been recognized as the tallest male politician in the world.
"Today, we're here to bring honor to someone who has brought politics to new heights," said the 6-foot-5-inch Bill de Blasio, the city's tallest mayor ever, as he saluted the 6-foot-10 council member named by the Guinness Book as the tallest politician in the world. "Even at my size, I look up to Robert Cornegy."
Robert Cornegy Jr. joked around but was serious, too.
"When we talk about the fact that you can lead no matter how you look or no matter what shape you're in or no matter what size you come in, we mean that, and today, I get a chance to send a resounding message to all the young people in the world who may have come in different packages," said Cornegy. "So, they may not have the normal, physical stature and would like to still make a difference that you can absolutely do that."
Cornegy said yes, being tall does get you noticed, but also, explained that he cannot ride standing up on the subway, and said, there were many moments in his life when he wished he were shorter.
Cornegy says he was surprised to learn he had a shot at the world record.
He told the Times when he found out the previous record-holder was only 6’7”, he decided to contact Guinness to give it a shot.
The 53-year-old was a member of the St. John’s basketball team that advanced to the Final Four in 1985.