Q&A
Impact of recusals on Corporation Counsel's ability to represent the city
0:45:28
·
144 sec
Council Member Powers expresses concerns about how Mastro's recusals might affect his ability to work on important issues as Corporation Counsel. Mastro responds by explaining the value he believes he can bring to the role despite these recusals.
- Mastro acknowledges the importance of the issues he would recuse himself from
- He argues that his experience gives him insight into how to protect the city's interests and objectives from potential litigation
- Mastro emphasizes his ability to work proactively with the council on drafting legislation and creating records that can withstand legal challenges
Keith Powers
0:45:28
And and I know that those are big cases, and I might make the argument that we want a corporation counsel who can be fully working on investing those issues as you know it's your lawyer does matter.
0:45:39
And so how do we how do we move as we move to the nomination process address, what are, I think, fairly substantial issues that City of New York should be, I would argue, be participating in or or or requiring your litigation skills and talent to help address what a challenge to to New York City might be on those issues.
Randy Mastro
0:46:03
I'm really glad that you asked that question.
0:46:06
Because I will acknowledge you that some of these are we're talking in in three areas in particular.
0:46:16
They are important issues.
0:46:19
I certainly don't have any perception from the outside that the city has not been well represented in those areas.
0:46:26
But I would say this.
0:46:27
I think that's why it's so important to have a corporation council who understands when the city has an objective.
0:46:38
A a priority.
0:46:40
A salutary purpose that even some of the litigants involved in local law 97, my client said that they support carbon emission restrictions and reducing carbon emissions.
0:46:55
In a GMAX case, my client said they support rent control.
0:46:59
In congestion pricing, Governor Murphy says he supports the environmental aims.
Keith Powers
0:47:04
Every single one of them has a lawsuit to prevent that action.
Randy Mastro
0:47:07
And and And my point is this.
0:47:10
I understand when the city gets it right, when the state gets it right, when the federal government gets right, and I understand when things haven't been done quite right.
0:47:18
And I believe I can play an even more important role in working with this council.
0:47:24
Having a dedicated team from court council help you with drafting your legislation, creating the record that will ensure that litigation like the ones I I have sometimes participated into whole government accountable will not be successful, that you will achieve your objectives, and they will be beyond challenge in court.
0:47:43
It's really important that you have a court council who comes out of that back ground and understands how to protect your interests and your objectives from potential litigation.
Keith Powers
0:47:52
But miss Roger, would you agree that litigation is a strategy to prevent outcomes or delay outcomes even if you state on the state in your mission statement that you agree with a certain issue.