De Blasio Defends Top Aide Despite Relationship With NYPD Critic

Mayor Bill de Blasio brushed off questions about the future of a top administration aide on Friday and offered an unmitigated defense of Rachel Noerdlinger, who serves as First Lady Chirlane McCray’s Chief of Staff, after a story on the news site DNA info reported that her boyfriend had served prison time for manslaughter, engaged in drug trafficking and criticized the NYPD on social media sites.

De Blasio said he had “absolute faith” in Noerdlinger and that they share the same values.

“You don't fire people because of something their boyfriend said. That's ludicrous,” de Blasio told reporters while walking to his police-driven SUV outside City Hall.

Previously, Noerdlinger served as an aide to the Rev. Al Sharpton, who has been critical of police and community relations in the past.  

The news of Noerdlinger’s romantic relationship provoked outrage from the Patrolmen's Benevolent Association, the union that represents NYPD officers. In a statement, PBA president Pat Lynch called for her ousting and questioned her judgment, character and “the quality of the counsel she provides to City Hall.” 

“The safety and security of our police officers and the public is far too important to risk with someone who is so closely associated with a known convicted criminal with such hateful opinions,” Lynch added.

This summer she played a lead role reaching out to the Staten Island community after the death of Eric Garner.

De Blasio said the administration doesn’t care about what someone’s boyfriend said, “I care what the public servant is about.”

“She is very dedicated to bringing police and community together,” said de Blasio. “That’s what we care about.”