The City Council’s opposition to Randy Mastro’s nomination as corporation counsel stems not from any deficiency in his qualifications, but from their political bias against his former association with Rudy Giuliani. Their objections center around Mastro’s representation of clients they deem dubious, overlooking the fact that other city officials have represented equally controversial entities and that Mastro’s pro bono work belies any claim of impropriety.
This selective outrage exposes a double standard that undermines the principle of legal representation for all citizens. Mastro’s exemplary record as a public servant and his commitment to pro bono work demonstrate his suitability for the role, even in the face of hyperpartisan hysteria.
Objectively, Mastro’s credentials are impeccable. As an ex-federal prosecutor and renowned litigator, he has a proven track record of fighting for just causes, even those supported by the City Council’s left-leaning members. His pro bono work includes representing victims of domestic violence and the wrongfully convicted.
The Council’s true gripe may lie in Mastro’s role in throwing PLO leader Yasser Arafat out of a city-sponsored concert in 1995. This suggests that their opposition is rooted not in legal concerns but in political animosity.
Mayor Adams is right to assemble a diverse team in City Hall, and Mastro’s experience and qualifications make him an excellent choice for corporation counsel. The City Council should reconsider their hyperpartisan stance and prioritize the city’s legal needs over political vendettas.
