City Hall Attorney asks press to stop asking political questions

MANHATTAN, N.Y. (PIX11) -- The top lawyer for City Hall told reporters to stop asking the Mayor of New York-- arguably one of the most important political figures in the country-- political questions.

"Please refrain from asking specific questions about the presidential campaign or other campaigns," said Lisa Zornberg, City Hall Chief Counsel.

The anti-1st Amendment request came at the end of Tuesday's open question and answer session with Mayor Eric Adams.  Adams had been asked numerous questions about why he was not being given a more prominent role at the Democratic National Convention.

Adams said he was trying to be a good "soldier" and was ready to help Vice President Harris become President any way he could.  He said he would participate in campaign events addressing the concerns of black men in particular.

"I want her to win, that’s what I’m going to do, whatever it takes for her to win," Adams said.

But the weekly availability went sideways when Zornberg chimed in at the end with her request to limit political questions. 

As the City Hall press core protested, Zornberg said she was just trying to help enforce ethics laws.

Zornberg seemed taken aback by outrage from the press and said asking the questions at City Hall was at the core of the ethical concern with talking politicians on government time.

It was the Mayor and his team that insisted on only taking off-topic questions once a week at City Hall. "One of the things you’re not supposed to use is a city space for a political purpose," Zornberg said.