January 23, 2015

Question: …Have you had a chance to talk with him since yesterday?

Mayor Bill de Blasio: No.

Question: [inaudible] governor – have had a chance to talk to the governor?

Mayor: No.

Question: And in terms of – can you kind of expand – you called him a ‘man of integrity’ yesterday. What in his past has – has – has led you to believe that he’s a man of integrity?

Mayor: Yeah, I spoke – look at what I said exactly. I spoke about my own personal experience. And in my experience, he has followed through on every commitment he’s made, and he’s been consistent in his positions. Obviously, for example, when we were fighting for full-day pre-k for all, he was in a pivotal place on that issue, and he never pulled any punches. He followed through on every commitment he made. So I’m talking about my experience in terms of what he’s done for the city, and how he’s followed through on substantive issues.

Question: Are you worried about losing an ally on those issues?

Mayor: Again, I – he – he’s going to through a judicial process, and he deserves the right to due process, like anyone else. So, I don’t pre-judge that process. He has been someone who’s stood up for the city of New York, and helped us do a lot for the people. So, I value that, but, you know, my view of due process is, it is not a foregone conclusion.

Question: Mr. Mayor, as he goes through that process, are you concerned that he won’t be able to do his job as great as he should be able to do it, or as you expect him to do it, because he’s going through this process? And does that concern you in terms of pursuing the city’s legislative agenda in Albany?

Mayor: Look, I think this will be a distraction for everyone in Albany, and I think it will change the nature of this session – there’s no doubt about that. But in terms of the speaker’s ability to do his job, I believe he’ll be able to continue to do it while this plays out. Obviously, he’s very capable, and he’s been at this for a long time. So, you know, I think it’s going to be a different legislative session than the one we would’ve expected, but I think it will – you know, Albany will continue to run, obviously.

Peter Ragone: Okay, guys

Question: If it’s a distraction, then should the assembly seriously consider replacing him?

Mayor: I don’t think so. I think he deserves due process. And obviously, the assembly will make its own decision in its own time, but I just think everybody deserves due process. And we’ve seen people accused of things who were proven guilty, and we’ve seen people accused of things who were proven innocent – and that’s something we honor as Americans – give people that right.

Question: Without him, is it – would it be more difficult to get your agenda passed?

Mayor: I – you can’t conclude that. First of all, again, he’s going to have a judicial process, so I don’t preclude – I don’t assume what the outcome will be. But I think, you know, the assembly in general has supported my agenda and has supported New York City, and I think that will be true in any instance.

Peter Ragone: Thanks, guys. Thanks, guys.

Question: Preet today was saying that the three-men-in-a-room culture – he’s mocking it essentially. Do you think it’s time for a change in Albany?

Mayor: I think – I think Albany has been problematic for decades. And I think we clearly need a new approach in Albany in general. This goes beyond any individual. This is about the institutional reality of Albany. It is insular, disconnected from the people who are supposed to be served. I mean, there is an Albany problem writ large.

Question: Is it a ‘three amigos’ problem? I mean, not – I mean, structurally?

Mayor: I think it is – Albany exists in an old world, if you will. It is – you know, I think it has roots in the way political structures were for decades and decades in the city and state, which, you know, in a lot of other places we’ve moved past. I mean, the ghost of Tammany Hall does not haunt New York City government, but I do think it haunts Albany in general. And we need a much more transparent and much better approach in Albany. I think that is about all elements of Albany, and I think it’s something that has been true for decades, and time for change is long overdue.

Peter Ragone: Thanks, guys.

Mayor: Thanks, guys.