January 24, 2007

COMPTROLLER WEITZMAN INTERVIEWED IN ALBANY FOR STATE COMPTROLLER POSITION

Nassau County Comptroller Howard S. Weitzman appeared yesterday before a joint committee of the New York State Legislature to discuss his qualifications for the position of New York State Comptroller.

“The people of New York deserve a State Comptroller who already possesses the technical skills and understanding necessary to do the job,” Comptroller Weitzman said. “If ever there was a situation that required someone to ‘hit the ground running,’ this is it. My experiences in the private and public sectors have prepared me in a unique way to fill the position of State Comptroller.”

Comptroller Weitzman, first elected in 2001 and now in his second term as Nassau County Comptroller, is the first CPA ever to hold the office in Nassau. He assumed office at a time when Nassau County was considered by experts as the worst-run county in America, with a structural gap approaching $450 million and teetering on the edge of insolvency. As chief fiscal watchdog for the county, he played a significant role in reversing years of mismanagement and eliminating millions of dollars in wasteful spending.

“With the help of a dedicated staff, hired strictly on merit, I have been an aggressive fiscal watchdog for the county,” Weitzman said. “We audited county agencies, outside contractors and local governments, exposing waste, fraud and mismanagement. Our audit subjects have ranged from the county’s corrections, police and social service departments, by far the largest components of the county’s budget, to fraudulent Medicaid providers and local taxing districts. Our audits and fiscal reports were accurate and hard-hitting. Our bond rating has skyrocketed from near-junk bond status to investment grade, and Nassau is now considered one of the top three municipal turnarounds in the country.”

“With that experience I will be able to work with the Legislature and the Governor to close New York’s long-term structural gap between operating expenses and operating revenues, without adding to the almost $50 billion in state debt.”

His presentation before the Legislature outlined his background, including more than 20 years as a leading CPA and expert in healthcare finance; and the goals and priorities that would guide him in the State Comptroller’s position.

“In my five years as Nassau County Comptroller, through innovation, creativity and plain hard work, I have accomplished a lot,” Comptroller Weitzman said. “I will bring a similar attitude, commitment, and work ethic to the State Comptroller’s office and hope to accomplish much more. I humbly submit to you that I have the necessary credentials, the breadth of experience, the proven record and the strong desire to use the powers of the Comptroller’s office to accomplish great things for the residents of New York State.”

Click here to read Comptroller Weitzman’s presentation for State Comptroller Position