Q&A
Concerns about Mastro's impartiality given his relationship with the mayor
1:28:23
·
96 sec
Council Member Ayala raised concerns about Mastro's impartiality as Corporation Counsel, given his undisclosed pro bono work for Mayor Adams' office. Mastro defended his actions, stating he viewed it as public service and that he has done pro bono work for every mayor.
- Ayala questioned why the work wasn't disclosed earlier
- Mastro insisted he would have disclosed it if asked directly
- The exchange became heated, with interruptions from both sides
Diana Ayala
1:28:23
Understood.
1:28:23
Thank you for the for the response.
1:28:25
Given your relationship with the mayor that and that given that your relationship with the mayor extended to doing legal work for his office, which had not been disclosed until we began asking questions for this hearing.
1:28:35
How can you expect us to believe that you will not be partial to the mayor's office as corporation counsel?
Randy Mastro
1:28:41
Well, actually, I thought I was doing a public service by responding to the requests to help.
1:28:50
And I would think that all council members would share in the concern that asylum seekers get timely review of their asylum applications and that they get work permits so they can
UNKNOWN
1:29:01
work understood.
Diana Ayala
1:29:02
That's not the question.
1:29:02
The question is it was not reported until we started to ask questions.
Randy Mastro
1:29:08
Not with with all due respect.
1:29:13
There wasn't a question that asked me that.
1:29:15
I was asked about cases I brought against the city.
1:29:19
But I have for
Diana Ayala
1:29:20
You'd almost get necessary to disclose that.
Randy Mastro
1:29:22
For for every mayor, I have volunteered my time and done pro boner service for every mayor.
Diana Ayala
1:29:28
THAT'S WONDERFUL, BUT WHY NOT DISCLOSE IT IF YOU WERE SUBSENT OF
Randy Mastro
1:29:32
IT WASN'T I WOULD HAVE BEEN PLEASED TO DISCLOSE IT HAD I BEEN ASKED.
1:29:36
AND OF COURSE AS SOON AS THE IT CAME UP, I GAVE THIS COUNCIL A DISCLOSURE.
1:29:42
BUT TO ME, It's an honor to serve the city.
1:29:47
And we had we had a migrant crisis, and I was honored to help.
1:29:51
It's not a question of being beholden to the mayor.
1:29:55
I did that work for the city.
1:29:57
And in conjunction with the law department.