Q&A
Discussion of Tim Pearson case and allegations of sexual misconduct
3:15:04
·
144 sec
Council Member Lincoln Restler raises concerns about the Tim Pearson case, involving allegations of sexual misconduct and the city's handling of the situation. Mastro responds to these concerns.
- Restler expresses worry about inadequate investigation and continued employment of Pearson
- He mentions the provision of outside counsel at taxpayer expense for Pearson
- Restler links this case to the departure of Judge Hinds-Ratix from public service
- Mastro acknowledges the concerns but refrains from accepting characterizations of the issues
- He expresses respect for Judge Hinds-Radix and recalls working with her in the past
Lincoln Restler
3:15:04
Well, I just I have to say plainly.
3:15:06
Of course, I'm concerned about the case of Tim Pearson in particular.
3:15:09
There have been allegations of repeated sexual misconduct and harassment by him, by many colleagues who've worked with him in city government.
3:15:17
There was an inadequate investigation according to the reports from according to statements from the city hall press office.
3:15:23
And yet, he is still in his job.
3:15:25
He's still overseeing staff, including women.
3:15:28
He's been provided with a white shoe attorney outside counsel at no expense to him.
3:15:34
We, as taxpayers, are paying for it.
3:15:37
And, you know, this, of course, was has been widely reported to be the major or one of the major issues that led to the discontinuation of public service for Judge Heinz Ratix.
3:15:53
So it is of grave concern to me how the mayor interfered in this case and insisted that outside counsel be provided to his friend that an inadequate investigation occur and that he's continued to serve in his job without any repercussions whatsoever.
3:16:08
And I take you at your word that you said today if confirmed that you will review that case and that you will not consult with the mayor in determining whether outside counsel is appropriate.
3:16:18
Did I get that right?
Randy Mastro
3:16:20
You do have that right, and I wanna say, I appreciate what you are saying.
3:16:27
I'm not accepting the characterizations of of certain issues or people.
3:16:33
I I have to steep myself in the issues and study them, but I just say this about the judge.
3:16:39
I have enormous respect for the judge.
Lincoln Restler
3:16:41
You and me
Randy Mastro
3:16:41
both.
3:16:42
I appeared before her when she was a judge on the case to block the Bloomberg Administration from expanding the Brooklyn House of Detention.
3:16:51
Did bat on behalf of Billy Thompson and Latisha James to block that decrepit facility from being expanded, and she was the judge who issued that order.
3:17:01
So I have a great respect for her.
Lincoln Restler
3:17:04
I You've and I I do as well, and as chair of the governmental operations committee, we've oversight of law department.
3:17:08
I work closely with John Heinz Radix.
3:17:10
She never had us fill out a form either.
3:17:12
She was a great partner in and in for this for our committee and for the council as a whole.
Randy Mastro
3:17:18
You'll be on speed dial to me, counsel and wrestler, and
Lincoln Restler
3:17:21
you might regret that.
Randy Mastro
3:17:22
Door will always have.
3:17:24
And to you, counsel, no matter what.
Keith Powers
3:17:26
You don't wanna offer that.
3:17:28
Let me just