Nassau budget director approved
The Nassau legislature's independent budget review director was appointed to a new four-year term Monday despite calls from some Democratic lawmakers to conduct a search for the $147,000 job.
Budget Review Director Eric Naughton, whose often-critical reports have angered County Executive Thomas Suozzi, received 14 votes. Three Democrats abstained and two lawmakers were absent.
While Naughton twice before was unanimously appointed the legislature's fiscal watchdog without a search, Legis. David Denenberg (D-Merrick) and Jeff Toback (D-Oceanside) argued that the job should have been advertised and candidates interviewed before any decision was made. Denenberg, Toback and Legis. Joseph Scannell (D-Baldwin) abstained.
"The process here is not right," Toback said. "I'm not going to be part of it."
Denenberg said he "never really got good answers" from Naughton's office on such issues as bond refinancing and real estate consolidation. "We owe it to our constituents to get the best and the brightest," he said.
Minority Leader Peter Schmitt (R-Massapequa), who praised Naughton's integrity and honesty, said, "To go through the process would be considered a vote of no-confidence in the current director. If we were to do that, Eric Naughton would be crazy not to say, 'See you around.'"
Other Republican and Democratic lawmakers complimented Naughton's work, including outgoing Presiding Officer Judy Jacobs (D-Woodbury), who put Naughton's reappointment to a vote despite the county Democratic chairman's plea, reported by Newsday last week, that Democrats first resolve their differences.
"Nobody pushes me one way or another," Jacobs said.
Legis. Diane Yatauro (D-Glen Cove), who is expected to be installed as presiding officer in January, voted for Naughton but made no other comment on his appointment.
Also Monday, the legislature held a hearing on a bill that would ban the sale and distribution of flora seen as unfriendly to the local environment.
Under the measure, it would be illegal to place in any river, stream, lake, pond, wetland or storm water drain any of 63 invasive plant species, or to sell them. A first offense would carry a fine ranging from $100 to $500.
Alpa Pandya, an officer with the Nature Conservancy on Long Island, called the bill a preventative measure that would save the county millions of dollars in the long run. She noted communities in Nassau and Suffolk that have spent large amounts of money to clear ponds of invasive plants.
But Legis. Francis Becker (R-Lynbrook) said he would not support the bill if the first offense fine is not reduced. "It would hurt many small businesses if an employee mistakenly sold this plant," he said.
The legislature is expected to vote on the plant law on Dec. 3.
On a separate issue, the legislature confirmed the appointment of Margaret Martinez Malito as the new executive director of Nassau County Youth Board. Testifying in support was George Siberon, who was released from the job by Suozzi over a year ago. Siberon said Malito is "perfect" for the job.
Posted Tuesday, November 20, 2007
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