Should the NYC Mayor's Office Have Disclosed Domestic Violence Arrest?

When Bloomberg's deputy mayor Stephen Goldsmith resigned, the administration said that he was leaving "to pursue private-sector opportunities in infrastructure finance." In a statement, Goldsmith said, "The change will provide me, at age 64, with more flexibility for me and my family and a secure foundation for our future."

But the story has changed. Prior to his resignation, Goldsmith was arrested following an altercation with his wife and spent two days in jail. Critics say that the arrest should have been disclosed as soon as the administration knew. This is significant partly because of Goldsmith's role, which was to oversee major city agencies: police, fire, transportation, sanitation, and buildings.

Discussion Starters:

• Did the administration have a responsibility to disclose Goldsmith's arrest? 
• Evaluate the decision: what are the arguments supporting and against disclosure? How might the administration's view differed from Goldsmith's perspective?
• Goldsmith's wife seems to have changed her story from what was reported in the arrest record. The original record describes quite a physical scene, and yet Mrs. Goldsmith later denied that physical violence occurred. What role, if any, do you think she played in the decision not to disclose the incident?