Holds incumbent accountable for county’s financial mess, mismanagement
(Long Island, NY) Former Nassau County Comptroller Howard Weitzman triumphed last night in his only debate with his opponent George Maragos. Weitzman highlighted the Maragos record of the county experiencing three bond downgrades, rampant mismanagement of the comptroller’s office, and debt reaching a new all-time high.
“The verdict is in, and by all accounts George Maragos has failed Nassau County as comptroller,” said Weitzman Campaign Manager Nick Benson. “The choice in this race is between the Maragos record of gross mismanagement and record-high debt or Howard Weitzman, an experienced CPA who has a proven record as a tough fiscal watchdog.”
Weitzman stressed the county’s compromised financial condition and efforts by Mr. Maragos to issue misleading financial statements to mask the county’s deficit and fiscal woes. Weitzman relied upon independent, outside sources who have created a chorus of criticism for Maragos and the county’s finances.
During Weitzman’s tenure as county comptroller from 2002 to 2009, Nassau County experienced 13 bond upgrades, 8 straight balanced budgets, and the office conducted groundbreaking audits that saved taxpayers millions of dollars.
About Howard Weitzman, CPA
In 2001, Howard Weitzman became the only CPA ever elected to the office of Nassau County Comptroller after a 30 year career as a healthcare financial executive. He was subsequently re-elected to a second term in 2005. During his eight years as Comptroller, Howard Weitzman played a central role in the financial rescue of Nassau County. Under Howard’s leadership, the office of Comptroller became a national model for transparency and accountability while at the same time developing a reputation for groundbreaking audits, independence and integrity. A graduate of Brooklyn Technical High School and Queens College, Howard is the former Mayor of Great Neck Estates, where he and his wife resided for 35 years and raised three children. He is currently a resident of North Hills.
