Oral history interview with Allen G. Schwartz [electronic resource], 1993

Biographical Note

Lawyer.

Scope and Contents

Education: City of New York, University of Pennsylvania Law School, LIB 1958; New York City Corrections Officer 1957; County of New York Assistant District Attorney 1959-1962; law career: Pastas Gordan & Hyman, White and Case, Lenny Bruce case; first meeting with Koch 1962; partnership, Koch, Schwartz, Lankenau & Kovner 1965-1969; Koch political career: City Council of New York, Village Independent Democrats, United States Congress, mayoral campaigns 1973 and 1977; Koch victory 1977; Corporations Counsel, City of New York 1978-1981; reorganization of Law Department, computerization, appointments, structure; consent decress, treatment of prisoners in City jails, domestic violence, police hiring, homelessness, police surveillance (Handshu decision), special education; water tunnel suit; Sydenham Hospital closing; Riker's Island medical malpractice suits; appointment to Koch administrations, commissioners, deputy mayors; Mayor's Committee on Judicial Selection; Board of Water Supply elimination; fiscal crisis, Municipal Assistance Corporation, federal and state relations with City; labor negotiations, Transit Workers Union strike 1980; Koch relations with unions, financial community, African American community. Resignation as Corporation Counsel, Sports Commissioner appointment, retention of New York Knicks and New York Rangers; continuing relationship with Koch, advisory capacity; gubernatorial primary 1982; Koch third term; Parking Violations Bureau scandal, Wedtech; indictments, Donald Manes, Stanley Friedman, Anthony Ameruso, Bess Myerson; 1989 election; Koch retirement; continuing career, contracts with WNEW, WABC, New York Post; reflections on Koch Administration.

Subjects

• Interviews.
• Koch, Ed, 1924-2013.
• Lawyers--Interviews.
• New York (N.Y.). Mayor.
• Oral histories.
• Schwartz, Allen G. (Allen George), 1934---Interviews.
• Soffer, Jonathan, interviewer.