NYC Mayor Adams Sticks by Controversial Top Lawyer Nominee After Brutal Council Hearing

Adams Defends Mastro Despite Council Opposition

New York City Mayor Eric Adams is holding firm on his controversial nomination of Randy Mastro as the city's next corporation counsel. Despite a scathing 11-hour hearing this week where City Council members criticized Mastro's past work, Adams insists he's the right person for the job.

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The council's opposition to Mastro stems from his time working in the administration of former Mayor Rudy Giuliani and his representation of conservative clients in private practice. Critics pointed to his involvement in the 2014 Bridgegate scandal and a 2021 case where he represented a group seeking to remove homeless people from the Lucerne Hotel.

A Divided Council and the Mayor's Determination

Many council members believe Mastro would prioritize the mayor's interests over their own, potentially hindering their ability to effectively represent the city's interests. Some also raised concerns that his past work shows he's not suitable for the role of corporation counsel, which involves advising all branches of city government.

Adams maintains that Mastro is the right person for the job and that the council's opposition is part of the democratic process. He's not backing down, and if the council rejects Mastro, he'll nominate another candidate.

The council is scheduled to vote on Mastro's nomination on September 14th. The outcome will reveal if Adams can overcome the opposition and get his pick confirmed.