"We want to make sure that we have a government that looks like New York City, and that means a strong Latino representation," he said, stressing that it did not mean he was seeking a particular person as speaker and that it was too early for such conversations.
De Blasio also said that while he has mentioned two names in the search for a new police commissioner Chief of Department Philip Banks and former commissioner Bill Bratton nothing has been decided yet.
"That does not mean that's the end of the list," he said, adding that the vetting process has not begun and no interviews have taken place.
De Blasio also said he would reform stop-and-frisk policies amid concerns that minorities are unfairly targeted.
"There is no contradiction between keeping the city safe and respecting people's rights and civil liberties," he said.
Ortiz said he hopes the city reaches another milestone in January regarding the appointment of a new city council speaker.
"It should be someone of Hispanic descent," he said, noting that Hispanics represent 27 percent of New York City's population. "That will be another historic moment that we should not let pass by."
The conference also focused on social, political and economic issues, with Puerto Rico government officials seizing the opportunity to reassure people that the U.S. territory would not default on its debts amid concerns about its ongoing economic crisis.
The island is expected to soon enter its eighth year of recession as it faces $70 billion in public debt and a 13.9 percent unemployment rate, the highest compared with any U.S. state.
Eduardo Bhatia, president of the island's Senate, said the government is working hard to pay its debts.
"Puerto Rico has never been close to not paying its bonds," he said. "We have always honored the debt."
