Mayor Adams has nominated Randy Mastro as the city’s next corporation counsel, a position of great importance that oversees the Law Department and its 850 lawyers. Having known Randy for over three decades, I can attest to his exceptional legal abilities, unwavering integrity, and deep commitment to public service. As a former NYC public advocate and executive director of Citizens Union, I have witnessed firsthand his brilliance as a litigator and his dedication to protecting constitutional and civil rights. Some City Council members have expressed opposition to his nomination without proper due diligence, but I urge them to consider his background and qualifications with an open mind. Randy Mastro is a lifelong Democrat who has consistently supported progressive causes. He represented Bill de Blasio, Bill Thompson, and others in challenging Mayor Bloomberg’s overturn of term limits, and he successfully fought against the Bloomberg administration’s expansion of the Brooklyn House of Detention. Currently, he represents New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy in ongoing litigation. As chair of Citizens Union, New York’s oldest good government group, and former vice chair of the Legal Aid Society, Randy has played a pivotal role in expanding voting rights, promoting civic engagement, and ensuring government accountability. Under his leadership, Citizens Union has advocated for non-citizen voting in New York City, early voting in New York State, and holding the Trump administration accountable for anti-democratic actions. Notably, in 2020, he led Citizens Union’s endorsement of Joe Biden, its first presidential endorsement in 125 years. Randy’s commitment to justice extends beyond his professional endeavors. He has represented peaceful protesters at Lafayette Square and 9/11 fallen firefighters’ families pro bono. In the aftermath of the assault on peaceful racial justice protesters by federal officers, Randy sued President Trump and other officials on behalf of the protesters, leading to a settlement with the Biden administration to prevent future abuses. On behalf of 9/11 fallen firefighters’ families, he compelled the firefighters union to release $70 million raised for widows and orphans. As deputy mayor, Randy put his life on the line to clean up the Fulton Fish Market and the private carting industry, resulting in the elimination of the waste hauling “Mob Tax.” He also championed same-sex couple rights, securing the passage of groundbreaking domestic partnership legislation. Randy’s extensive constitutional and civil rights work includes reopening houses of worship closed during COVID, protecting good government groups from onerous donor disclosure requirements, and defending a Black teacher fired for teaching about racism. He has also successfully represented a Black newspaper delivery man against criminal trespass charges. With his impressive accomplishments, unwavering dedication to public service, and deep understanding of the law, Randy Mastro is exceptionally qualified to serve as the city’s next corporation counsel. I urge the City Council to thoroughly consider his candidacy and not let unfounded opposition prevent the city from benefiting from his expertise and commitment to justice and good governance.
Randy Mastro: A Worthy Candidate for City’s Next Corporation Counsel
