What They're Saying: Former New York City, State Officials Praise Mayor Adams' Nomination of Randy Mastro as City's Next Corporation Counsel

July 31, 2024

NEW YORK - Yesterday, New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced Randy Mastro as his nominee to be the city's next corporation counsel. Randy Mastro is a nationally-renowned lawyer; an experienced public servant with an impressive record in government service; a long-time pro bono advocate for social justice, civil rights, and constitutional rights; a leader of revered civic organizations; and a proven leader committed to diversity and inclusion.

Here's what former New York City and New York state officials are saying:

"I am adding my voice to those who strongly support Mayor Eric Adams' desire to appoint Randy Mastro as the corporation counsel for the City of New York," said David Paterson, former New York State Governor. "Randy is a proven leader and has the will, determination, and compassion needed to deliver real results for the residents of the City of New York. As the leader of the New York State Government, I always appreciated his partnership helping to provide relief for communities in Harlem when they were facing true quality of life issues that we needed the city's help to address. Therefore, it is my honor to endorse the choice of my friend Eric Adams to utilize the services of this outstanding civic leader and his exemplary portfolio."

"Randy Mastro has been part of New York City civic life for decades. He is a principled person, a brilliant attorney, a true New Yorker, and an incomparable civil servant," said Bill Thompson, former New York City Comptroller. "He has also been a valuable friend and colleague for many years. New York City will be lucky to have Randy's tenacity, trustworthiness, and extraordinary legal mind advocating for us in the years to come."

"Randy Mastro will make an extraordinary corporation counsel who will fight tirelessly for his clients including the city council, public advocate, comptroller, mayor, and more," said Betsy Gotbaum, former New York City public advocate and executive director, Citizens Union. "As chair of New York City's oldest good government group, Randy has advocated for countless reforms to keep government functioning effectively for the people. As both a professional and personal friend, I have the greatest regard for Randy. Bravo Mayor Adams for this brilliant appointment."

"I support Randy Mastro to be New York City's Corporation Counsel," said Mark Green, New York City's first ever public advocate. "First, for this position especially, a mayor should be accorded great deference short of some serious ethical concern. And over the course of his eminent career - in private practice and public service - I've never heard of any such thing in Randy's case. Second, Randy is his own man, and it would be unfair to impute to him the views or performance of Rudy Giuliani over the past three decades. I doubt there was anyone more critical of Mayor Giuliani than I was as the Public Advocate during his eight years in office. But I regarded Randy - on matters when I disagree with the mayor and on those occasions when Randy and I worked together, like reforming the city's private carting industry and expanding domestic partnership protections to include same-sex couples - as very smart, tough, honest, formidable, and constructive. I am therefore confident that he will serve his client, the city, well."

"While I have disagreed with Randy Mastro on some policy questions, I know he is a superb attorney, one of the most skilled in New York," said Victor A. Kovner, former New York City Corporation Counsel under Mayor David N. Dinkins. "The city needs the best possible person to serve as its corporation counsel, and I commend Mayor Adams for selecting an attorney of such talent, dedication, and character."

"I have known Randy Mastro for many years and served with him on the board of a charity that served infants and toddlers born to drug addicted mothers," said Zachary Carter, former New York City Corporation Counsel under Mayor Bill DeBlasio. "I am convinced that he understands and accepts the responsibility of the Law Department to advise the mayor and all city agencies when proposed public policies may not be consistent with applicable laws or the Constitution, and to provide imaginative legal solutions to the city's most vexing problems."

"I enthusiastically support Randy Mastro's nomination to become the city's next corporation counsel," said Michael D. Hess, former New York City Corporation Counsel under Mayor Giuliani. "I know him to be a lawyer of exceptional skill and a person of the highest integrity. I also know firsthand, having worked with him in government, that he is a great manager of large organizations who works constructively with others to solve problems for the public good. We are therefore all fortunate that he will be returning to city government at this critical time. He will be an outstanding corporation counsel for the entire city."

"I understand that the mayor has nominated Randy Mastro as his corporation counsel, a position I had the honor of holding for 12 years under Mayor Bloomberg. I have known Randy for many years," said Michael Cardozo, former New York City Corporation Counsel under Mayor Michael Bloomberg and president, New York City Bar Association. "I litigated some high-profile New York City cases against him when I was corporation counsel and served as a board member during some of the time Randy was chair of the very important civic organization, Citizens Union. Randy is a very high quality, experienced trial lawyer who has successfully litigated a number of important cases. Along with his past service in city hall, his litigation background, and the litigations he has brought against New York City, Randy has the familiarity and experience to deal with many of the legal issues the city faces today. Randy's experience and the reputation he has earned should serve him well as he takes on what I believe to be the best legal job any lawyer can have in this country."

"I understand that Mayor Adams is nominating Randy Mastro to be the next corporation counsel for New York City. Randy is an excellent pick," said Peter Sherwood, former New York State Supreme Court Justice and corporation counsel under Mayor David N. Dinkins. "I've known him for many years. He is a leader in the organized bar, a topflight litigator, and has served with distinction as a public servant. His legal expertise, sound judgment, and experience with city affairs make him well qualified to serve in the critically important role of chief legal officer for the city. I am confident that under his leadership, the city Law Department will continue to serve as a principal defender of the interests of the city and its residents."

"Randy Mastro has devoted his professional life to fair, honest, and fearless advocacy for his clients and I know that he is the best lawyer to handle the complex cases affecting our city," said Cy Vance,former Manhattan District Attorney. "There is no question that he will bring that same legal intelligence and experience to represent the interests of all New Yorkers as corporation counsel for the City of New York if nominated."

"Randy Mastro is a world-class lawyer who has spent his career as a public servant and litigator standing up for what is right and giving a voice to social justice issues and individuals needing zealous advocacy whose causes would otherwise have gone unheard," said Fernando Ferrer, former Bronx Borough President. "New Yorkers could not ask for a better, more qualified candidate for this important position, and I know he will work tirelessly to help deliver a safer, fairer and more livable city for all who call New York City home."

"This is a cerebral nomination by Mayor Adams," said Ruben Diaz Jr., former Bronx Borough President. "Randy Mastro has a wealth of knowledge and is a strong attorney in myriad different sectors. I know he would be an outstanding attorney for the City of New York."

"Randy Mastro is an excellent lawyer who knows right from wrong, and he would be an excellent corporation counsel," said Peter Vallone Sr., former New York City Council Speaker.

"I worked closely with Randy Mastro when he was in City Hall, and I served in the City Council. What stood out to me was not just his innovative approach to solving the problems of a city in distress, his tenaciousness, or even his willingness to set aside political or policy differences; it was his personal commitment to wanting to do the right thing," said Ken Fisher, partner, Cozen O'Connor and former New York City councilmember. "In the years since, I have closely followed his career, including across the courtroom when we were on opposite sides. He is a superb advocate. With his range of experience, I believe he would be the most qualified corporation counsel in my professional lifetime. It's worth pointing out that Randy has no particular reason to take on this responsibility, save his love of New York and commitment to service. He and I have not always agreed, but if I were still in the council, I would vote to confirm him for this position with enthusiasm. I hope the current members will take the time to get to know him and give him a fair hearing."

"The mayor has chosen an experienced public servant and top-notch lawyer to be the next corporate counsel," said Deborah C. Wright, former commissioner, New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development. "Randy is a former deputy mayor and city hall chief of staff, and the highest-ranking Democrat in a Republican administration, where he served as a bridge across the political divide, so much so that I publicly referred to him at the time of his departure as "the administration's conscience. He's helped tackle organized crime and shepherd in sweeping protections for same-sex partnerships, efforts that the New York Times called a 'legacy' achievement. Randy also served in the Civil Division of the U.S. Attorney's Office of the S.D.N.Y, where he rose to become deputy chief. He has also served as chair of the Citizens Union, and as former vice chair of the Legal Aid Society. In private practice, Randy has an extensive record of litigating cases on a pro bono basis, including representing families of fallen firefighters after the 9/11 tragedy, providing nearly $70 million for loved ones who lost heroes. He represented racial justice demonstrators who were brutally and abruptly cleared from Lafayette Park outside the White House, documented in Black Lives Matter D.C. v. Trump. He boldly defended a public-school teacher fired for giving her class an assignment on racism, and he led a successful First Amendment challenge, on behalf of Citizens Union, against a state law that would have imposed onerous donor disclosure requirements harmful to not-for-profit "good government" groups. Randy has the experience, broad relationships, and compassion that our city needs right now."

"I have had the privilege of knowing Randy as a colleague and a close friend for over 30 years," said Rudy Washington, commissioner, New York City Civil Service Commission and former New York City Deputy Mayor. "His record fighting for New Yorkers and bringing people together around common ground speaks for itself, and I have no doubt he will do the same every day as the next corporation counsel for the City of New York."

"As a fellow democrat, in critical budget discussions, Randy Mastro joined me to protect under resourced communities. He was my partner to ensure equity and justice in policies affecting the Latino community," said Ninfa Segarra, former New York City deputy mayor and former member of the New York City Board of Education. "As a fellow lawyer, due to his extensive experience, he will enhance the role of our city's attorney. Reviewing his record reveals his progressive philosophy."

"Randy Mastro and I have been working together as members of the board of the Citizens Union to promote citizen engagement, accountable government, and equity for all New Yorkers," said Ester Fuchs, professor, Columbia University; former special advisor to Mayor Mike Bloomberg; former advisor to Mayor David Dinkins. "I knew Randy's work fighting against organized crime as well as supporting same-sex partnerships and racial justice demonstrators, but his work with Mayor Giuliani had initially made me skeptical that we would share the same political passions - I could not have been more wrong. Randy is a consummate professional, an extraordinary litigator, and a person of integrity. He is exactly the person we need to lead the New York City Law Department. Thank you, Mayor Adams, for making it happen."

"Randy Mastro is an exceptionally good attorney and a dedicated public servant of great integrity who has devoted himself to New York City," said Joseph B. Rose, former chair, New York City Planning Commission. "He is tough and fearless and has risked everything in the pursuit of justice. At a time when New York City often seems to be on its own and faces immense legal challenges in many arenas, we will be very lucky to have him as our champion. A lifelong Democrat, Randy has also demonstrated the rare capacity to work in a bipartisan manner to forge sensible and compassionate compromise."

"As president of Hunter College, I had the good fortune of working closely with Randy Mastro during his long and impactful tenure as a City University of New York (CUNY) trustee," said Jennifer Raab, president and CEO, Stem Cell Research Foundation; former chair, Landmarks Preservation Commission; former president, Hunter Point College. "His commitment to securing resources for the largest public university system in New York City was unwavering. Randy helped move the needle in so many ways at CUNY to increase access to education and enhance social mobility for immigrant and minority communities. His devotion to supporting CUNY students was unparalleled and he truly impacted countless lives and transformed the standards for educational equity."

"I have known Randy Mastro for nearly 30 years, both as a committed, compassionate deputy mayor with whom I was proud to serve in city government and as our zealous lawyer to whom I turned when our non-profit faced an existential crisis that we had to win," said Muzzy Rosenblatt, CEO, Bowery Residents' Committee and former acting commissioner, New York City Department of Homeless Services. "Throughout his career, Randy has been a fighter for the most vulnerable, willing to take on the most powerful, even if it meant risking his own life. There could be no greater advocate for the City of New York and its residents than Randy Mastro."

"First and foremost, corporation counsel is a legal position, and Randy Mastro is an outstanding lawyer who is extremely qualified for this position," said Kevin McCabe, former chief of staff, City Council Speaker Peter Vallone. "Moreover, he is a life-long Democrat with whom I worked closely when we were both in City Hall, and he reached across the aisle, built coalitions, and worked closely and constructively with the City Council to get things done. We would all be fortunate to have him return to public service in this important role."

"I have known Randy for over 30 years and had the pleasure of working with him in City Hall, where he was an ally in guiding the administration towards embracing policies and programs that were both effective and progressive," said Fran Reiter, CEO, New York State Forum and former New York City deputy mayor. "Randy is among the finest public servants ever to serve New York City - a person of the highest integrity, character, and consummate skill who 'got stuff done' for the public good. If he is prepared to serve again and make the personal sacrifice that entails, let's welcome him back with open arms."

"I worked closely with Randy in city government, know how effective and constructive he is, and always thought he'd be a great corporation counsel," said Joseph Lhota, former New York City deputy mayor and former CEO and chair, Metropolitan Transportation Authority. "Randy took on the most difficult jobs and brought them to successful conclusions. He's the best lawyer I ever worked with, and the city would be in great hands if he were corporation counsel."

"Randy Mastro is someone I am proud to call a friend. He is an experienced public servant with a formidable intellect," said Elsie McCabe Thompson, president and CEO, NYC Mission Society and former chief of staff to New York City Mayor David N. Dinkins. "Randy leads with great integrity, experience, and the wisdom that comes from always defending the poor and the defenseless. He is an extraordinary choice to be the next corporation council for the City of New York."

"Randy Mastro is fair, even-handed, and dedicated to the people of New York City," said Stacey Cumberbatch, board member, Citizens Union; former commissioner of multiple city agencies; adjunct professor, Columbia University. "Throughout his career - including his work on the Citizens Union board where I have had the opportunity to see Randy's leadership up close - he has put the interests of the city first and worked to build a New York where every person can thrive. These are qualities that have guided his public service and I know will guide his tenure as the next corporation counsel."

"In my opinion, Mayor Adams has made a superior choice," said Richard Weinberg, former general counsel, City Council; chief counsel to Speaker Peter Vallone; New York State Supreme Court Justice. "Randy Mastro is a highly accomplished attorney with an impeccable reputation for integrity, intellect, fairness, and respectful personal relations with people from all walks of life and all sides of the aisle."

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