Community Corner

Democrats Call on Maragos to Answer For Millions in Sandy Payments

Lawmakers are not happy with Presiding Officer Norma Gonsalves', R–East Meadow, refusal to allow Comptroller George Maragos to appear at the Legislature to discuss millions of dollars spent during Hurricane Sandy.

Editor's Note: This article was written by Danielle De Souza.

Democratic lawmakers have recently spoken out against Presiding Officer Norma Gonsalves', R–East Meadow, refusal to allow Comptroller George Maragos to appear at the Legislature to discuss millions of dollars in "poorly monitored" spending following Hurricane Sandy, according to a press release from the Nassau County Legislature's Democratic Caucus.

Last week, Maragos announced that he was reviewing several Sandy-related contractors to ensure that their records, billing and invoices were in proper order.

“Today Norma Gonsalves is shielding a faulty comptroller’s office, which has in turn been hiding the Mangano administration’s mismanagement,” Legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton, D-Glen Cove, said. "If it is true that all records and invoices are being submitted correctly, which I truly hope it is, then why not have an open discussion to ensure that our residents are getting the most value for their tax dollars."

Last week, Legislators DeRiggi-Whitton and Wayne Wink, D-Roslyn, requested that Maragos appear before their Rules and Finance Committees at Monday's legislative session.

Officials said that Maragos responded in an email saying that it was up to the Legislature’s majority leaders. Presiding Officer Gonsalves refused their request in a short letter issued on Friday, according to the press release.

Presiding Officer Norma Gonsalves could not be reached for comment.


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