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Q&A

Discussion on affirmative impact litigation priorities

0:51:54

·

144 sec

Council Member Restler inquires about Goode-Trufant's priorities for affirmative impact litigation, particularly in environmental and housing issues. Goode-Trufant outlines the Law Department's current efforts and future plans in this area.

Goode-Trufant highlights the department's pride in their affirmative work across various divisions
She mentions recent initiatives, including a case against a distributor of candy-flavored vapes
Restler emphasizes the importance of a strong working relationship between the City Council and the Law Department, especially in challenging times ahead

Lincoln Restler

0:51:54

And and then last topic I just was hoping to ask on, something you know that I'm passionate about is affirmative impact litigation at the law department.

0:52:03

And this is something that, you know, under court counsel Carter and Astana and, you know, and, and the judge, we've seen continued and expanded would this be a priority of yours?

0:52:15

I'm particularly interested in environmental issues, housing issues, and, you know, the law department should be, it's not anymore, the largest, law firm in the city that's, like, operating for the public good, fighting the good fight, taking on bad actors.

0:52:33

Could you just lay out your vision for us a little bit on that as well?

Muriel Goode-Trufant

0:52:36

We are, very proud of our affirmative work.

0:52:40

Much of it is done by affirmative litigation division, but not all of it.

0:52:45

We have an environmental, law, division and we have, many partners, throughout the department in, the various divisions that are, fighting, with respect to various initiatives that we would like to either protect or push forward.

0:53:04

We, announced, just recently a new, vape case.

0:53:09

It was not, the first, but we are suing a distributor of candy flavored vapes, which is designed to attract children and get them addicted, to nicotine.

0:53:24

That's not the only issue.

0:53:25

There are many things that we are exploring, such as, immigration, at present, and we'll continue to look at more ways that we can, do justice throughout the city.

Lincoln Restler

0:53:41

Yeah.

0:53:41

We're gonna have some challenging years ahead with the incoming president.

0:53:46

And I think the strong working relationship between the city council and the law department is gonna be more important than ever.

0:53:52

And, you know, look forward to you being a strong partner for us and then and look forward to the law department providing independent guidance to this city council, so that we can do the best job possible advocating for vulnerable New Yorkers.

0:54:07

And I I think that you, bring a commitment to independence to the role and, and that's part of the reason that I'm I'm eager to support your candidacy.

0:54:16

So thank you very much for your testimony today.

Muriel Goode-Trufant

0:54:18

Thank you, council member.

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Goode-Trufant's outside appointments and COIB clearance