October 14, 1997 Emery, Celli, Cuti Brinckerhoff, New York City, for petitioner. Paul A. Crotty, Corporation Counsel of New York City, respondent pro se, and Masako C. Shiono for Paul A. Crotty and another, respondents. Richard M. Weinberg, New York City, for Council of the City of New York, amicus curiae. Schulte, Roth Zabel, New York City, for City Club of New York and others, amici curiae. EDWARD H. LEHNER, J. The central issue posed herein is whether petitioner, in his capacity as Public Advocate