The boss of the Nassau County Republican machine, a man whose law firm has scored contracts worth hundreds of thousands of dollars from county government, declared hilariously the other day that he’s foot-stamping mad about the party’s rampant corruption.
His brigade of pirates includes Dean Skelos, convicted former state Senate majority leader; a planning commissioner charged with failing to report $2 million in income from a town contractor, and County Executive Edward Mangano, who has accepted trips from an indicted businessman.
“There’s a lot going on and it has me really upset,” Joe Mondello declared.
Among the things going on is the employment of outgoing Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray, Mondello’s wholly unqualified candidate for Nassau district attorney.
Soon to be unemployed after that bid fell short, Murray needed a job. And, wouldn’t you know it, a spot was found for her at Nassau County Community College, as acting general counsel for government relations. Although the post was about to be abolished, the school’s trustees discovered a sudden interest in hiring Murray.
State University of New York Chancellor Nancy Zimpher properly raised an objection that the school is searching for a permanent president, who should have the prerogative to select whomever he or she wants — or no one.
Fat chance, because Nassau Community College is but one more of the patronage mills run by Mondello, who’s so furious about corruption.
