REMARKS
Council Member Keith Powers introduces Randy Mastro and explains the role of Corporation Counsel
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108 sec
Council Member Keith Powers introduces Randy Mastro as the nominee for Corporation Counsel and provides an overview of the position's responsibilities and powers. He explains the role of the Corporation Counsel as the city's top lawyer and outlines the structure of the Law Department.
- Powers details the legal authority of the Corporation Counsel, including the ability to conduct all legal business for the city and represent it in court.
- He mentions that if confirmed, Mastro will serve an indefinite term at a salary of $253,000.
- Powers briefly summarizes Mastro's professional background, including his current position and previous government roles.
Keith Powers
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Thank you, madam speaker.
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Before we move forward, I want to summarize the powers and duties Operation Council before I introduce the candidate pursuant to Sections 31391 of the New York City charter, and by letter dated July 30 2024, mayor Eric Adams requested the council's advice consent in relation to his nomination of Randy Mastro for employment to be the corporation counsel.
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The New York City charter designates the corporation counsel as the attorney and counsel for the city and all city agencies.
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The corporation counsel and by extension of the law department is granted the power to conduct all the legal business of the city of New York.
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Further, the corporation council has the right to bring or defend any act legal action in local state or federal courts.
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The law department is comprised of approximately 850 attorneys who specialize in all the areas of law necessary to conduct the legal business of the city.
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The law department includes specialists in a wide range of fields of litigation, land use ethics, professional response ability, contracts, administrative law, juvenile delinquency, and legislative interpretation, just to name a few.
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They represent the city, elected officials, and city agencies with all legal issues that they confront.
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In the council grants its advice and consent to Mister Mastro Mastro will be appointed corporation counsel and will serve an indefinite term at a salary of $253,000.
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Mister Mastro has joined us today.
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Congratulations on your nomination.
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He is a partner currently at the law firm of King And Spalding.
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Previously, he was a partner at the firm of Gibson Dunn and Crutcher.
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He's held several roles in government, 1st in the United States attorney's office, and then as chief of staff and later as of and later as deputy mayor, tomato Giuliani and as chair of the Charter Revision Commission and task force on bilingual education under May Giuliani.
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Before we begin, and Mister Maestro will offer an opportunity to offer an opening statement.