Q&A
Discussion on emergency authority for shelter siting
8:27:39
·
115 sec
Council member Avilés questions Mastro about the city's use of emergency authority to site shelters in the face of neighborhood opposition. Mastro affirms his commitment to defending the city's policies as Corporation Counsel, regardless of his personal views.
- Avilés asks if Mastro is committed to the idea that every neighborhood must contribute to providing shelter for homeless individuals
- Mastro states that while he believes it's a fair policy, his role as Corporation Counsel would be to defend the policy, not set it
- Avilés suggests that Mastro's past actions indicate he doesn't believe certain neighborhoods have that obligation
Alexa Avilés
8:27:39
So this is in terms of emergency authority and shelters.
8:27:45
So the city uses its emergency authority to cite shelters when capacity is in when capacity is needed to comply with the law.
8:27:54
Sometimes this must happen in the face of neighborhood opposition.
8:27:58
Are you committed to the idea that every neighborhood must contribute to providing shelter for homeless individuals?
Randy Mastro
8:28:08
I I believe that is the policy of the city, but I think that is a fair policy, but my role as corp counsel isn't to set the policy.
8:28:18
My role court counsel is to legally defend the policy.
8:28:22
You and the administration working together set the policy.
8:28:26
So, you know, I certainly under would understand that policy and would be honored to defend whatever the policy is that the city council and the administration determine is the city's policy or whatever the law requires.
Alexa Avilés
8:28:42
That has been the policy and your actions has suggested that you don't think certain neighborhoods have that obligation.
Randy Mastro
8:28:50
I'm sorry.
Alexa Avilés
8:28:51
Despite despite the fact that the city hasn't had enough beds, and it was a violation of the law not to offer beds to individuals.
Randy Mastro
8:29:01
And I'm are you referring to something in my background?
Alexa Avilés
8:29:05
No.
8:29:06
No.
8:29:06
Other other cases fighting against siding of shelters?
Randy Mastro
8:29:11
Oh, well.
Alexa Avilés
8:29:12
In the city.
8:29:13
Okay.
8:29:14
Which current which continues to be a major issue.
Randy Mastro
8:29:19
I I understand what you're what you're saying.
8:29:22
You know, as corporation counsel, I would be defending the city's policies zealously and about, you know, the location of shelters as a matter of policy that would be determined by the administration and this council?