Local Democrats Call on Maragos to Answer For Millions in Sandy Payments

Local Democratic lawmakers are criticizing Nassau County Legislature Presiding Officer Norma Gonsalves's refusal to allow Comptroller George Maragos to appear at the Legislature to discuss millions of dollars in what Democrats say was "poorly monitored" spending following Hurricane Sandy.

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

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,” DeRiggi-Whitton 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."

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

Gonsalves could not be reached for comment.

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