Two press outfits in New York City brought a lawsuit against New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio for his refusal to release emails traded between his office and outside advisers.
The lawsuit was brought by the New York Post and NY1 News after they attempted to obtain communiques between de Blasio and five individuals who advise the mayor on a wide spectrum of political issues. One of the individuals includes Jonathan Rosen, who runs a public relations shop that contracts with de Blasio campaigns. Rosen’s firm also represents a number of individuals and businesses which regularly transact with the city.
It’s official. pic.twitter.com/GnFhNCHLwA
— Grace Rauh (@gracerauh) September 8, 2016
City Hall claims that Rosen and the four other de Blasio associates are “agents of the city.” Therefore, any emails they trade with de Blasio and members of his administration are beyond the reach of the Freedom of Information Act. (RELATED: Chick-fil-A Succeeds In New York Despite de Blasio Boycott)
None of the five individuals in questions are employees of the city, nor have they been retained in any official capacity by the mayor — the criteria typical of city agents. In addition, lawyers for the press argue that Rosen has a conflict of interest. His firm represents entities and individuals with business before the city. He therefore could not both act on the city’s behalf and lobby on behalf of others.
Members of Rosen’s firm were deposed by federal investigators pursuant to their investigation of his fundraising activities. He has denied any wrongdoing.
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