A former Deputy Mayor of New York City is speaking out against a proposal that seeks to protect consumers by limiting debt collection in the City That Never Sleeps, especially for those who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
A bill was introduced last month before the New York City Council that would prohibit marshals and city sheriffs from confiscating property or assets, including money, to cover unpaid debts and would bar landlords from evicting tenants through the end of April 2021.
But such a measure undermines “the rule of law,” writes Randy Mastro, a litigator who was Chief of Staff and then Deputy Mayor for Operations under former Mayor Rudy Giuliani. Mastro does represent landlords who are challenging state amendments to rent stabilization laws.
Cities and states have rushed into action to try and protect consumers who have lost their jobs, are working fewer hours, or otherwise been affected by the coronavirus pandemic. But, as in Massachusetts, where regulations put into place by the Attorney General are now being challenged in court by ACA International, the steps being taken should not conflict with other laws or regulations, which could create problems for companies trying to comply.
While lauding the idea of helping individuals during the coronavirus crisis, Mastro notes that landlords, especially smaller ones, are suffering, too. And, to be fair, everyone should continue to rely on the court system to “get this right.” Writes Mastro:
“This is not our first rodeo in NYC. We survived 9/11 without compromising our local democracy. We came through the financial crisis a decade ago without upending our legal system. As the president who steered us through that crisis, Barack Obama, said: ‘One of the challenges of a democratic society is making sure that even in the midst of emergencies and passions, we make sure that the rule of law and basic precepts of justice and liberty prevail.’ “
