TROY, N.Y. — The Troy City Council decided to table the appointment of Ian Silverman as Legislative Counsel during its organizational meeting on March 15, 2024. This decision came amid concerns raised by Republican officials, particularly from Mayor Carmella Mantello, who highlighted potential ethical and legal issues associated with the appointment. The council’s move is pending a review by the city’s Civil Service Commission.
Silverman currently serves as Corporation Counsel for the City of Rensselaer and as legal counsel for the New York State Department of Health. In her statement, Mayor Mantello expressed apprehension regarding the overlapping responsibilities of Silverman’s roles, which she believes may lead to conflicts of interest. “These overlapping responsibilities mirror those of the proposed Troy position and create a clear conflict of interest that puts our city at risk,” she stated.
Council President Sue Steele defended the appointment, asserting that Silverman’s role would not create conflicts. She emphasized that he would not engage in contract negotiations related to Rensselaer or his other duties but would instead contribute to drafting legislation and providing legal advice for the council. Steele remarked, “Mr. Silverman is being hired for his personal expertise with the city charter. He will provide excellent, professional legal counsel.”
In response to the concerns about potential conflicts, Silverman himself maintained that he would not place himself in situations of clear conflict. “My role with the City of Troy will be to serve simply as the Legislative Counsel, so I will not be involved in negotiating any contracts with the City of Rensselaer for Troy,” he clarified.
The city’s charter allows the council to appoint legislative counsel for separate legal advice, distinct from the Executive’s Corporation Counsel. Steele noted that this additional counsel would help relieve some of the workload from the Corporation Counsel’s office, particularly in drafting new legislation.
Despite the council’s rationale, Mantello raised concerns about the financial implications of the appointment. She pointed out that the position comes with a salary of $50,000 annually, which includes a $35,000 increase over the previous holder’s salary. “This appears to be a purely political appointment — a reward to the husband of failed county executive candidate Tiffany Silverman,” Mantello stated.
Steele rejected the notion that the appointment is politically motivated, asserting that Silverman’s qualifications are the primary reason for his recommendation. “I was disappointed to read the mayor’s silly and baseless allegations, which are an unnecessary distraction from the important business of the city,” she said.
Silverman also addressed the political implications of his appointment, denying any connection to his wife’s recent electoral defeat. “There were no promises made either to myself or my wife. The City Council actually reached out to me for this position,” he clarified, emphasizing that his qualifications and experience, including nearly 20 years of practice focused on municipal law, were the deciding factors for the council.
The appointment requires confirmation from the Civil Service Commission, which involves a public hearing. Steele indicated that the position has not been filled for some time and that this process is standard for any new titles.
Mantello expressed ongoing concerns about the addition of another legal counsel, arguing that it could lead to confusion and inefficiency regarding legal advice for the city. “Adding a second lawyer to weigh in on legislation while Troy already has a Corporation Counsel will only create duplication, delay, and legal back-and-forth,” she stated.
Despite the criticisms from the Mantello administration, Silverman believes that his appointment will enhance the council’s functionality as it moves forward. “I think it is important to have someone to help with the legal end of things so that the council can work effectively,” he said, reflecting on the recent electoral shift that saw a Democratic majority elected.
City residents are encouraged to attend the upcoming monthly meeting scheduled for March 17, 2024, where community members can voice their priorities as there is currently no pending legislation for review. Steele invited participation from residents, emphasizing the council’s commitment to engaging with the community on important issues.
