Your guide to NYC's public proceedings.
REMARKS
Council Member Restler praises DOI's work and leadership
0:55:36
ยท
3 min
Council Member Lincoln Restler opens his remarks by expressing strong appreciation for Commissioner Strauber's leadership of the Department of Investigation (DOI). He commends DOI's rigorous oversight and investigations, particularly in light of recent corruption cases in city government.
- Restler emphasizes the importance of a strong, well-resourced DOI as a check on the current administration.
- He acknowledges the awkward dynamic of investigating the administration that appointed the commissioner.
- Restler expresses gratitude for Strauber's commitment to uncovering injustice and holding bad actors accountable.
Lincoln Restler
0:55:36
I like that that chair Brewer knows what I'm gonna say before I say it.
0:55:41
She's right.
0:55:41
I'm not complaining today.
0:55:43
I, firstly, just wanna concur with the chair's assessment that I think your testimony is very impressive, which is only fitting for your tenure at DOI, has been equally even more impressive.
0:55:56
I think to you know, the highlights that you point out in your testimony of the rigorous and impressive oversight and investigations that have been undertaken during your lead during your tenure are, I think, confidence inspiring for New Yorkers.
0:56:14
And at a time when we have seen more corruption in city government, certainly since the end of the Koch administration, perhaps even longer, I firmly believe that a strong, well resourced DOI is the single best check that we can provide on this mayor and this administration.
0:56:36
You I mean, the indictment of the mayor himself, the chief the indictment of the chief adviser, the arrest at NYCHA, the arrests of other of FDNY officials.
0:56:47
You know, you have demonstrated just impressive clarity of purpose and and courage because it's an I think it's an awkward dynamic when you're appointed by someone and then responsible for investigating them, and you've just followed the law and made sure that everyone follows the rules no matter how powerful they may be.
0:57:09
And, you know, when we see what's happening in Washington right now at the DOJ, it's a reminder that there are good kind of investigative leaders, prosecutorial kind of leaders who are committed to uncovering injustice and holding bad actors accountable.
0:57:25
So, really, from the bottom of my heart, I want to say thank you for your service to the city.
0:57:29
And with that, I'd like to ask a few questions.
0:57:35
And actually, I'll I'll make one more comment, and then I'll start asking questions.
0:57:39
I strongly concur with your recommendation that the removal of the DOI commissioner should involve a vote of the city council.
0:57:50
I worked in the de Blasio administration when Commissioner Peters was let go, And, you know, writing a letter to the decast commissioner is not an impediment of any kind in letting a DOI commissioner go.
0:58:03
And it is critically important that, at minimum, for the next ten months, that you are exactly where you're sitting in exactly this seat, providing tough oversight of this administration.
0:58:16
And, I very, very, very much hope that governor Hochul and our counterparts in Albany get this message that your removal should be contingent upon a vote of the city council.
0:58:31
So with that, I do have a few or do you want I'll let you say something if you no.
0:58:35
Just thank you.
0:58:36
It's well deserved.