Q&A
BOE's organizational structure and reporting lines for General Counsel
2:14:46
·
3 min
Council Member Restler and Michael Ryan discuss the organizational structure of the Board of Elections, particularly focusing on the reporting lines and importance of the General Counsel position. Ryan explains the role of the board in hiring decisions and the reporting structure for legal staff.
- Ryan clarifies that the General Counsel and Deputy General Counsel report directly to the Executive Director and Deputy Executive Director
- The importance of the General Counsel role for both election work and agency operations is emphasized
- Restler expresses hope for a capable successor to the outgoing General Counsel
Michael Ryan
2:14:46
And Section section 3300 of the New York state election law sets out the responsibilities, and I supervise the board under the supervision of the of of the board of commissions.
Lincoln Restler
2:14:58
I understand.
2:14:58
I just think it's a it's a the most basic of expectations that there should be a job description.
2:15:06
There should be core qualifications that we could articulate for what somebody should have to be serving in the absolutely critical role of general counsel.
2:15:13
Who the general counsel is makes a critical difference on who gets on the ballot, on how and the fairness and integrity of our elections operations.
2:15:21
So this is really important, I think, for anyone who cares that our elections are fair and efficient and effective, as I know you do.
Michael Ryan
2:15:29
But so I I would say this as well.
2:15:32
Our deputy general counsel is here today as well.
2:15:35
They although they have different titles, general counsel, deputy general counsel, it is a bipartisan effort, that leads to these conclusions.
2:15:43
Mister Savino is certainly, an able and capable attorney who's been at the Board of Elections for, as long as I can remember and certainly since I got here.
2:15:53
And he does and he does a good job.
2:15:55
But I will say this, and I I wanna dispel what I think is a is a notion that needs to be dispelled.
2:16:01
What determines who gets on the ballot is the law and the compliance of the candidates with the law.
2:16:07
And there are open and public hearings with respect to, problematic what we'll call problematic, petitions whether they're challenged or not.
2:16:16
And that's what's gonna drive the day.
2:16:18
And our board of commissioners largely are lawyers.
2:16:22
And I'm not aware of a circumstance where any of them, lawyer or not, would risk, their professional reputations or or, or certainly their their professional licenses with respect to establishing a ballot and ballot order.
2:16:37
Order.
Lincoln Restler
2:16:37
I hear you, and I I'm I'm not trying to malign the integrity of anybody in particular.
2:16:44
I do think that there are gray areas in these decisions, and having people of integrity and independence and and competency serving in these roles gives me more faith and confidence that decisions are being made appropriately.
2:16:59
And this is such an important position for the election operations of New York City.
2:17:04
I truly hope that, that the board, and the Brooklyn Democratic Party leader identify somebody who is, capable of serving in this role effectively.
2:17:18
I think that the outgoing general counsel has done a a good job, and I'm very hopeful that we'll have somebody of that caliber succeed her.
Michael Ryan
2:17:26
So maybe this will make you you feel a little better.
2:17:29
The the organizational chart as established by the commissioners requires the general counsel and the deputy general counsel to report directly to the executive director and the deputy executive director.
2:17:43
So no one, maybe myself and mister Ignizio, if you were here, no one is more concerned about the quality of the general counsel, than myself, and mister Ignizio because they're the individuals, in addition to the deputy general counsel, that we're going to rely on, not only for the election, the regular election work, that is more visible to the public, but they also serve as the general counsel and deputy general counsel for the agency.
2:18:10
And we're an agency like every other agency that has its needs, personnel and otherwise, where the general counsel, is an integral part of the process.
Lincoln Restler
2:18:19
I appreciate that.
2:18:20
Hopefully, we will all find we will all be satisfied with a future candidate.
2:18:24
Council member Brewer.
