It has been two months since the panel to review Nassau County’s contracting process, led by former Nasdaq chairman Frank Zarb, issued a report urging rapid changes to the way Nassau procures contracts.
The Zarb report also recommended much needed suggestions for new anti-corruption laws.
Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano publicly backed almost every recommendation made by the Zarb report, yet, in the two months that have passed, nothing has changed in the way Nassau conducts business.
I talked with Mr. Zarb as he went through the fact-finding process before he issued his report. I offered suggestions for everything from creating an online searchable contract database to getting rid of the ability to award contracts under $25,000 without a legislative vote .
Many of the ideas I shared were listed in an oped piece I’d written, which was posted online September 23rd by Newsday. Though Nassau County continues to drag its heels making changes to its contracting process and passing anti-corruption laws, I have a few more suggestions to add to Zarb’s list.
First, to make sure there are checks and balances, I recommend the county Legislature, Nassau District Attorney and Nassau Comptroller be responsible for approving new contracts.
Once any contract gets their seal of approval, NIFA (Nassau Interim Finance Authority) can sign-off on it. Once every member of the legislature is responsible for approval of contracts, the pay to play mentality of only connected vendors will be restricted, thus opening the field to competition, and better pricing. With the District Attorney in the process, vendors and taxpayers will know the contracts are legal.
No longer will Abtech-style deals, or 60-year Singh type leases be pushed through. With the involvement of the comptroller’s office as a third set of eyes, the public can be assured the contracts make financial sense.
This will bring to an end the pay-to-play awarding of contracts between $24,000 and $24,999, that total almost $10 million.
Then, when NIFA gives its final stamp of approval, residents will know County government has thoroughly vetted the process.
I have spoken to many vendors and contractors who have been frustrated by their inability to participate on a level playing field when it comes to doing business with the county.
Having a streamlined vetting process where all can compete will bring down costs for the financially strapped Nassau County government.
Finally, Nassau should follow the lead of Town of Greenburgh Supervisor Paul Feiner, by banning campaign contributions to county officials from companies and vendors vying for county business.
As transparency and competition become commonplace, taxpayers will finally be able to receive better services for lower costs.
