Transcript: Mayor de Blasio Holds Press Gaggle

January 22, 2015

Mayor Bill de Blasio: Very quickly – although the charges announced today are certainly very serious, I want to note that I’ve always known Shelly Silver to be a man of integrity, and he certainly has due process rights. And I think it’s important that we let the judicial process play out here. So that’s just what I wanted to put forward. Questions?

Question: Mayor, do you think he should resign his post as speaker?

Mayor: No, I think he has due process rights, and he should let the – we should all let the judicial process play out. I think that’s something that’s important in a democratic society.

[Commotion]

Question: [inaudible] because, if he may have to step down for whatever reason or another, that this could end up hurting the city considering Shelly was a close ally of yours in getting your legislative agenda passed?

Mayor: I think there’s two separate concepts there. I think he has a right to due process. I really think that’s something we always need to affirm. Allegations are allegations. Charges are charges. And there has to be a process to determine the outcome. I think, separately, it’s a true statement – he’s done a lot for New York City, and I value that certainly.

Question: You were quite critical of Michael Grimm. You said he should’ve left earlier. Why is this at all different?

Mayor: I think in Michael Grimm’s case, we saw a pattern of questionable practices over a long period of time, and it played out. I think, in my experience with Shelly Silver, I’ve seen integrity and public service.

Phil Walzak: One more, guys.

Question: Have you spoken with the speaker?

Mayor: I’m sorry – what?

Question: Have you spoken with the speaker?

Mayor: No, I have not.

[Commotion]

Question: [inaudible]

Mayor: Say again?

Question: [inaudible] candidate [inaudible], is there anybody else if he [inaudible] –

Mayor: It’s not time to think about that, because, again, he has due process rights and there has to be a judicial process here. We’ll see where that takes us.

Question: Mayor, given the allegations – are you surprised with the allegations?

Mayor: I’m surprised always when, you know, this kind of conclusion is reached.            

Phil Walzak: Thank you, guys.