Randy Mastro, Mayor Eric Adams’ nominee for NYC’s top lawyer, withdrew his nomination before a City Council vote due to what he called an unfair process. The Council had concerns about his past work and ties to Giuliani. Despite the mayor’s support, Mastro’s withdrawal signals an end to a divisive nomination process. The Council emphasizes the need for an independent attorney who prioritizes public interests over political ones.
Randy Mastro, a nominee for the position of New York City’s top lawyer by Mayor Eric Adams, has withdrawn his nomination citing an unfair process. Mastro, a former deputy mayor and prominent litigator, made this decision just before the City Council was expected to vote against his nomination. In a letter to Mayor Adams, Mastro expressed his gratitude for the opportunity but stated that it was not meant to be due to the perceived bias in the confirmation process.
The City Council, which gained the authority to approve the corporation counsel pick in 2019, extensively questioned Mastro during a hearing on his nomination. Criticisms revolved around his past work as a deputy mayor under Rudy Giuliani and his representation of clients involved in lawsuits against congestion pricing for vehicles entering Manhattan. Despite Mayor Adams’ support, a majority of the Council members opposed Mastro’s nomination from the beginning.
Mayor Adams defended Mastro, highlighting his legal accomplishments in areas such as social justice, racial justice, and LGBTQ+ rights. However, the political nature of the confirmation process led to Mastro’s withdrawal, disappointing those who believed he was a highly qualified candidate for the position. The Council expressed relief over the end of the contentious nomination process and emphasized the need for an independent and principled attorney to serve the city’s best interests.
With Mastro’s withdrawal, New York City’s Law Department currently has an interim corporation counsel, Muriel Goode-Trufant, in place. Mayor Adams has the option to put forward another nominee to fill the position.
Source: TheCity.NYC
