Oral history interview with Frederick A. O. Schwarz [electronic resource], 1993

Biographical Note

Lawyer.

Scope and Contents

Reminiscences of the Edward I. Koch [Koch] administration: initial contact with Koch, involvement in 1980 U.S. Census case for New York City [NYC]; significant legal issues and responsibilities as City Corporation Counsel and advisor to Department; EO-50, EO-53, and Gay Rights Bill anti-discrimination litigation; racially-motivated violence following the death of Michael Griffin in Howard Beach, Brooklyn; sanctions against South Africa; minority voting rights and voting redistricting; the city property tax system, property calcuations, property tax exemptions and tax abatements; department policy of affirmative litigation against city contractors; changes in the City Charter; police brutality hearings; police corruption; political surveillance of activist groups by NYC police department; religious organizations and foster care responsibilities of the city; abortion and parental consent requirements; family planning and birth control conflicts between Catholic and Jewish groups; distribution of clean needles to drug addicts; discussion of personal attributes and leadership capabilities of Koch: relationship with advisors, city council, Cardinal John O'Connor, and Senator Alfonso D'Amato; Koch's popularity and supporters; corruption scandal and integrity of city government; Schwarz's reflections on the Senate Church committee and national politics, views of public sector legal practice, reflections on family business.

Subjects

• Green, Howard, interviewer.
• Interviews.
• Koch, Ed, 1924-2013.
• Lawyers--Interviews.
• New York (N.Y.). Mayor.
• Oral histories.
• Schwarz, Frederick A. O. (Frederick August Otto), 1935---Interviews.

Access Conditions

Copyright by the Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York, 1993.