Randy Mastro tried to assure city Councilmembers on Tuesday that he can be independent of Mayor Eric Adams’ interests.

“As a corporation counsel, I will stand up for what I think is right and I will do the right thing. If I don’t think a position of the mayor is one that is legally defensible, I will tell that to the mayor and we will not defend the mayor,” Mastro said.

What You Need To Know

  • Randy Mastro was grilled for more than eight hours on Tuesday about his legal background in his confirmation hearing for corporation counsel

  • The hearing included many moments in which City Councilmembers attempted to hash out some disputes they had with the mayor

  • The mayor and Council have been battling over a series of legislation, including over housing vouchers and a law banning solitary confinement 

Mastro endured over eight hours of grilling from local lawmakers as part of his confirmation hearing for corporation counsel.

The hearing comes as the Council and mayor have been at odds. Mastro’s hearing was an opportunity for the Council to publicly fight.

“Do you agree that the legislative branch’s role is to implement laws that are duly enacted?” asked Council Speaker Adrienne Adams.

“Yes. If the Council passes a law or overrides a mayoral veto, if the administration thinks it’s illegal, it’s incumbent on the administration to go to court to block that legislation and have it declared illegal, it’s not to wait,” Mastro replied.

The disputes center on a variety of issues, including a law that would expand housing vouchers and a law banning solitary confinement in city jails. The city and Council are fighting in court.

“If nevertheless there was a breakdown, the corp counsel’s office would have to make a determination which side to represent and if the decision was made to represent one side or the other, I would facilitate getting independent counsel for the other side,” Mastro said.

Mastro was officially nominated by Mayor Adams to the post in July after weeks of speculation. The nomination came as Judge Sylvia-Hinds Radix departed the post amid controversy.

“Are you comfortable with entering a space in an administration that is known to push out women of color? That is the question,” asked City Councilwoman Amanda Farias.

“I don’t agree with the characterization. It’s like the prior question you asked. I don’t know that to be the case or that to be a fair characterization,” Mastro replied.

Mastro, at one point, started calling the Council Speaker “your honor” amid the intense line of questioning.

“Your reference to me as your honor, I happen to like it,” Speaker Adams said.

The ex-Giuliani aide has an uphill battle trying to get confirmed by many Councilmembers who have voiced opposition to him.

To smooth some of the tension, Mastro promised that no official would need to fill out an engagement form instituted by the mayor to meet with him.

“I am your lawyer. You will be on speed dial to me. I will always have an open door,” Mastro said.