An important public debate is unfolding in our city that could significantly impact the future of our local democracy, and it deserves your attention.
Mayor Eric Adams has nominated Randy Mastro to become Corporation Counsel and lead the City’s 800-lawyer Law Department. This is a crucial position in city government, underscored by a 2019 ballot proposition requiring City Council confirmation for the role. However, the nomination has sparked controversy among some on the City Council, but not because of Randy’s qualifications. Unfortunately, politics are getting in the way of an outstanding appointment.
I have known Randy for decades, having worked with him since my time as New York City Public Advocate. He has been my pro bono lawyer, my Board Chair at Citizens Union – where I currently serve as Executive Director – and my friend. I’ve seen firsthand how valuable it would be for the city to have someone of his caliber, character, and achievement leading our Law Department.
Randy served with distinction as a Deputy Mayor in the 1990s, giving him deep insight into city government and the Law Department’s role. He’s also been highly successful in private practice, and worked with some of our city’s most vital civic institutions.
As a federal prosecutor and Deputy Mayor, he tackled organized crime, receiving death threats from La Cosa Nostra. When he left City Hall, a Democratic colleague called him “the administration’s conscience” — a reflection of the important role he played in an administration that, at the time he served, enjoyed high approval ratings. In private practice, he’s been recognized by his peers as having an “exceptional public reputation.” The American Lawyer calls him “one of the most respected lawyers in the country,” and the National Law Journal named him among the “100 most influential lawyers in America.”
Randy’s commitment to integrity and ethics in government is beyond reproach. As chair of Citizens Union for a decade, he’s held public officials accountable. Additionally, he’s served on the boards of many nonprofits, including as Vice Chair of the Legal Aid Society and on the CUNY board. Randy is a lifelong Democrat who has devoted hundreds of hours a year to pro bono work, protecting civil rights and social justice. He represented peaceful racial justice protesters who were attacked by federal officials in Lafayette Square in 2020, and advocated for LGBTQ+ rights in the U.S. Supreme Court.
New Yorkers are incredibly fortunate that someone with Randy’s integrity, skill, and expertise wants to serve our city. Sadly, when news of Randy’s potential nomination leaked in April, certain Council Members immediately opposed him, despite never having even met him. Their opposition seems to be more about their differences with the Mayor, or their impressions today of the Mayor that Randy served three decades ago, than about Randy himself.
Since then, Speaker Adrienne Adams sponsored legislation to expand the Council’s confirmation authority over more than 20 other key city posts, and the Mayor convened a Charter Revision Commission whose proposals will take priority on the ballot. Both say these actions were in the works before Randy’s nomination, yet he now finds himself caught in the middle.
This is not how the confirmation process should work. It’s not the way the city should select its top lawyer, especially when that lawyer is someone of Randy’s impeccable reputation and record of accomplishment.
Randy has ambitious plans for the Law Department, aiming to focus more resources on proactive litigation that promotes civil rights, social justice, workers’ rights, tenants’ rights, consumer protection, environmental protection, and public safety. Imagine what could be accomplished by putting his skills and expertise to work for our entire city – including the City Council.
Alexander Hamilton wrote in The Federalist Papers that the purpose of “advice and consent” is to ensure that the nominee’s qualifications are the focus, not politics. Randy’s qualifications are unquestionable.
I respect Speaker Adams and understand her desire to expand the Council’s confirmation authority. Now is a time for leadership to rise above the politics at City Hall. With advice and consent authority comes the responsibility to act appropriately, and in the best interests of the City. The Council now has a perfect opportunity to demonstrate this by confirming Randy Mastro as our next Corporation Counsel.
Gotbaum is the Executive Director of Citizens Union and a former NYC Public Advocate.
