REMARKS
Council Member Keith Powers explains hearing procedures for Corporation Counsel nomination
0:27:07
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170 sec
Council Member Keith Powers outlines the purpose and procedures for the hearing on the Corporation Counsel nominee.
He emphasizes the importance of examining the nominee's record and determining their commitment to justice and ability to represent the public interest of all New Yorkers.
- The hearing will include questioning by council members followed by public testimony
- Council members will have multiple rounds of questioning, with flexibility in the first round and a 5-minute limit in the second round
- Members of the public can sign up to testify and may amend their testimony within 72 hours after the hearing
Keith Powers
0:27:07
Before we begin our questions, I also wanna make sure everyone understands the purpose of today's hearing and the procedures that we'll be following for the rest of the hearing.
0:27:14
The purpose of his hearing is to hear from the nominee, to examine his record, and to determine whether they have demonstrated the meant towards justice, worthy of the privilege, and trust deleted law department in representing the city.
0:27:26
Corporation counsel must have the face faith and trust of officials throughout our government, including, of course, the city council, public advocate, Controller, or presidents, mayor, and the hundreds of attorneys and staff of the law department as well as the diverse people of New York City.
0:27:40
There must be trust that the person's position will represent the public interest of all New Yorkers and prioritize the pursuit of justice over politics, and today's hearing can help us transparently make that assessment.
0:27:50
Now that you've given an opportunity to make a statement statement, we'll also, as we discussed, be hearing from members of the public after the council members have an opportunity after questions before public testimony, council members will be allowed to ask and speak to speak to and ask questions of the nominee.
0:28:07
And I also wanna do some housekeeping on the processes and expectations.
0:28:10
As chair, I'll be recognizing members to address the nominee, starting with members of the committee and followed by other council members.
0:28:18
We'll be forward flexibility to members on their first round of questioning.
0:28:21
After that, after the first round has been completed, we will have a second round, which member will be each member will will have be limited to 5 minutes.
0:28:29
We also wanna, of course, ensure that whenever accounts members recognize the belongs to that member.
0:28:35
They can use that time to make statements, ask questions, and reclaim their time from the nominee or the public at any time.
0:28:42
We ask people to not interrupt each other, and we request that people are answering the questions that are asking them.
0:28:47
After all numbers of that opportunity, answer, address and question the nominee, the nominee will be excused, and we'll welcome and encourage you to stay as you I think you have already committed to do so, and then head into the public portion of the hearing.
0:29:00
Wanna thank everyone who is here today for attending the important hearing of participating in this public process.
0:29:05
If you have not yet and you wish to testify, you can fill out an appearance form with the sergeant in arms and indicate whether you will be testifying in favor of or in opposition to the candidate.
0:29:16
Members of the public may also participate in this hearing by registering on the council's website at counsel.nyc.gov forward slash testify.
0:29:25
We ask members of the public who are here with us remain silent during those proceedings.
0:29:29
We've already had one that did not.
0:29:32
So we'll ask you to refrain from applause or other audible reactions.
0:29:36
I'll start with my own question before recognizing the speaker and other members to for turns to ask questions.
0:29:46
And I should note, we we won't offer another we can offer another opportunity to testify, but you are offering an opportunity to amend your testimony within 72 hours if you'd like to submit or amend or adjust your testimony.