City Council should be criticized for publicly shaming Randy Mastro

During my time on the New York City Council, I have been a witness to numerous passionate debates.

However, the events that transpired during the nomination hearing for Randy Mastro as the city’s corporation counsel, our top lawyer, reached a new level of disgrace.

What was supposed to be a professional evaluation of his qualifications quickly spiraled into a witch hunt, showcasing the lack of seriousness among some of my council colleagues.

As they prepare to vote on Mastro’s nomination, they should reflect on their actions with shame.

This was not a genuine hearing; it was a charade meant to humiliate rather than assess.

Mastro, who served as deputy mayor under the esteemed Mayor Rudy Giuliani, faced a barrage of personal attacks.

His past accomplishments were dragged through the mud by my colleagues, attempting to link him to the current political climate rather than acknowledging his contributions during a time when he helped rescue New York City from crisis.

It was a ridiculous display of guilt by association, lacking respect for facts or proper conduct.

Time and again, Mastro’s qualifications were overshadowed by personal attacks and political grandstanding.

Let me be clear: Randy Mastro is exceptionally qualified for the role of corporation counsel.

He upholds the rule of law with conviction and has dedicated his career to defending his clients – fundamental principles of our legal system.

Moreover, Mastro’s public service extends beyond city government, including his involvement in several progressive causes such as the Legal Aid Society and Citizens Union.

Despite admitting that they would hire Mastro as their own attorney, my colleagues’ questioning turned into a spectacle of personal grudges rather than a fair assessment of his capabilities.

The root of the issue is evident: his qualifications were never the focus.

Over eight hours, my colleagues incessantly attacked Mastro on everything but his exceptional resume.

This hearing was meant to evaluate his suitability for the job, yet it devolved into a scripted, politically motivated interrogation.

It became personal and, in some instances, even racial.

One council member audaciously questioned Mastro about a “white man” taking a job from a “black woman.”

Former corporation counsel Judge Silvia Radix resigned amid political conflict with Mayor Adams.

These inquiries were not only inappropriate but also offensive and unprofessional.

Mastro’s presence was not to defend past decisions or personnel changes but to be assessed for his suitability for the role.

Yet, most council members had decided to oppose Mastro long before the process began, displaying their bias openly.

The council disregarded impartiality, a vital element of a fair hearing.

Historically, the City Council did not scrutinize nominations as rigorously, as its “advise and consent” role is limited to specific positions like corporation counsel and certain board members.

However, when Mastro was put forth as a nominee, my colleagues suddenly adopted a newfound interest in “advice and consent.”

Now, they champion advice and consent as a means of promoting “good government.”

In theory, it is beneficial.

In practice, it’s only effective if the overseeing body is reasonable, professional, and unbiased.

This council has shown otherwise.

Many council members in this hearing failed to even pretend to approach the process with an open mind.

From the outset, they opposed Mastro, revealing a pattern of unprofessionalism, closed-mindedness, and a preference for drama over governance.

These behaviors should raise concerns among New Yorkers.

When exercised by a thoughtful and fair-minded body, advice and consent serve as a crucial check on executive power.

Unfortunately, in this council’s hands, it becomes a tool for petty political vendettas.

If this farce of a hearing is any indication, expanding the City Council’s role would only hinder City Hall operations – an outcome our city cannot afford.

We need an effective government, free from internal conflicts and personal grudges.

The Mastro hearing was an insult to New Yorkers who expect better from their representatives.

It’s time to prioritize governance and end the theatrics.

Council Member Robert Holden (D) represents District 30 in Queens.