As county’s finances take center stage, Maragos runs from record
(Long Island, NY) Former Nassau County Comptroller Howard Weitzman blasted George Maragos for ducking an invitation from News Channel 12 to host a televised debate. The local station offered both candidates the opportunity to appear in a televised forum. Weitzman readily accepted while Maragos declined to participate. Weitzman expressed that he was willing to debate on any date Mr. Maragos was available.
“The only thing more shameful than George Maragos participating in the political deal to ‘cook the books’ on the county’s finances, is the cowardice he displays by refusing to answer the tough questions in a televised forum,” said Weitzman.
The county’s deteriorating financial condition has been the central issue in this year’s county-wide races. Weitzman contends that voters deserve the opportunity to hear from the two candidates for the county’s chief fiscal watchdog position in a televised setting that can reach a wide audience. Weitzman has been critical of Mr. Maragos as the county has undergone three bond downgrades, its debt has reached a new all-time high, and Maragos has issued misleading financial statements to hide the county’s deficit.
Maragos also recently reneged on a long-standing commitment to appear jointly with Weitzman before the Great Neck Chamber of Commerce.
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.
