By Hank Russell
Nassau County Legislature Minority Leader Delia DeRiggi-Whitton (D-Glen Cove) called for an immediate investigation by New York State Attorney General Letitia James into the alleged misuse of taxpayer dollars by Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman. The request comes in response to revelations that Blakeman allegedly spent over $100,000 in taxpayer money on a countywide mailer that appears to serve as a political advertisement for Congressman Anthony D’Esposito (R-Garden City).
The mailer, which addresses the so-called “Migrant Crisis,” is widely viewed, according to DeRigi-Whitton, as a thinly veiled attempt to bolster D’Esposito’s re-election campaign against his Democratic challenger, former Hempstead Town Supervisor Laura Gillen. DeRiggi-Whitton condemned the mailer as a blatant misuse of public resources for political gain.
“This is a clear violation of public trust,” said DeRiggi-Whitton. “Public funds are meant to serve the residents of Nassau County, not to be used as a political war chest. The repeated misuse of taxpayer money by County Executive Blakeman for political purposes cannot and will not be tolerated.”
Long Island Life & Politics has reached out to D’Esposito’s office and is waiting to hear back.
DeRiggi-Whitton noted that this is not the first time Blakeman has come under fire for misusing public resources. She claimed Blakeman has previously spent public funds on mailers attacking political opponents, including Governor Kathy Hochul, over issues like funding for Nassau University Medical Center.
“County Executive Blakeman has a troubling history of using taxpayer dollars to advance his political agenda,” DeRiggi-Whitton said. “This pattern of misconduct must be thoroughly investigated, and if confirmed, it’s imperative that those responsible are held accountable.”
The use of public resources for political purposes is strictly prohibited under New York State law. Section 74 of the New York Public Officers Law prohibits public officers from using their positions to secure unwarranted privileges for themselves or others. Additionally, Section 107 of the New York State Civil Service Law bans the use of public funds for political advertising and activities.
DeRiggi-Whitton has formally requested that James launch an immediate investigation into the matter. Copies of the mailers in question were provided as exhibits in the letter sent to the Attorney General’s office. LILP reached out to James’ office, which acknowledged that they have received the letter from DeRiggi-Whitton.
“Our duty as public officials is to serve the people, not our political ambitions,” DeRiggi-Whitton concluded. “I trust that the Attorney General will take the necessary steps to ensure that justice is served.”
LILP also reached out to Blakeman’s office for comment. In response to DeRiggi-Whitton’s accusations, Blakeman said in a statement, “If a Democrat elected official was able to secure $3 million for our police force, I would put them in the bulletin, too. I have appeared at press conferences with many Democrats, including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, and there is nothing partisan in thanking and recognizing an elected official who has made our county safer. The hypocrisy of the Minority Leader is astounding, considering Democrats have done this for years.”