Mayor Bill de Blasio revealed Tuesday he’s changed his approach to lobbyists amid numerous investigations into his campaign finances.
“I just have very, very little contact with lobbyists,” the mayor said at an unrelated press conference in the Bronx.
He cited “the atmosphere we’re in and the ongoing investigations.”
The disclosure came a day after a trove of emails obtained by The Post showed almost unfettered access to City Hall by top lobbyist and de Blasio campaign donor James Capalino.
“I have not been in touch with Mr. Capalino,” said the mayor.
“He, going into the mayoralty, was someone I respected and was a friend and someone I talked to a lot over the years. But I do not have contact with him anymore.”
De Blasio dodged a question about whether other lobbyists had an open door at City Hall like Capalino, who was able to call the mayor directly to set up meetings with clients.
“I can’t speak to every relationship every lobbyist has. I just don’t have enough of a vision of that,” the mayor said.
“But I think it’s fair to say that there are plenty of lobbyists doing legitimate business, representing clients who need to work with City Hall, and we try to treat everyone fairly. But that kind of situation [the open door] doesn’t exist.”