Nassau County: Minority Leader DeRiggi-Whitton news release on outside counsel spending Source: https://www.nassaucountyny.gov/CivicAlerts.asp?AID=13238 Saved by TicketTrap.ai on 2026-10-22 from the public web page. News Flash • The Question of ‘Why’ In County Government Skip to Main Content Module Search Enter Search Terms All categories Veterans Service Agency Health Department County Clerk Legislative District 01 Legislative District 02 Legislative District 03 Legislative District 04 Legislative District 05 Legislative District 06 Legislative District 07 Legislative District 08 Legislative District 09 Legislative District 10 Legislative District 11 Legislative District 12 Legislative District 13 Legislative District 14 Legislative District 15 Legislative District 16 Legislative District 17 Legislative District 18 Legislative District 19 Tools RSS Notify Me View Archived Categories All Categories Veterans Service Agency Health Department County Clerk Legislative District 01 Legislative District 02 Legislative District 03 Legislative District 04 Legislative District 05 Legislative District 06 Legislative District 07 Legislative District 08 Legislative District 09 Legislative District 10 Legislative District 11 Legislative District 12 Legislative District 13 Legislative District 14 Legislative District 15 Legislative District 16 Legislative District 17 Legislative District 18 Legislative District 19 News Flash Legislative District 11 Posted on: February 2, 2026 The Question of ‘Why’ In County Government By Delia DeRiggi-Whitton Often as a Nassau County Legislator, I find myself questioning why certain issues unfold the way that they do. On many occasions and with increased frequency in this hyper-partisan age, the operations of government are closely tied to politics.  However, the “why” is not always readily apparent – and it is our job as Legislators to dig deeper and identify the cases in which that connection is found a bit beneath the surface. Take outside legal counsel contracts, for instance. While Nassau County continues to benefit from a fully staffed County Attorney’s office staffed by many qualified lawyers, it is occasionally necessary to outsource highly complex cases to firms with specialized expertise. The emphasis, however, should be on “occasionally.” During the administration of former County Executive Laura Curran, the County spent approximately $5 million for this service. Fast forward to 2025 and the administration of Bruce Blakeman, and a recent audit by the Nassau Interim Finance Agency (NIFA) identified more than $23 million in spending on outside legal counsel (last year alone)! Many of these outside counsel contracts are for cases that are ill-advised legally or should be handled in house. Some recent examples include spending $3.2 million to defend county fee practices that courts have already ruled illegal or unconstitutional; millions to defend a case brought by Newsday, alleging financial retaliation over critical coverage; and millions more right after Election Day 2025. This included a contract for a Republican legislative candidate. While Blakeman’s administration initiated the contract last spring, they failed to disclose it until after Election Day, when it arrived at the Legislature for our consideration after the fact. While the “why” was abundantly clear in that one example, the answer for many of the other contracts can be found in the fine print. In each proposal that the Legislature receives, we receive a list of the firm’s political contributions as required under County law. Most, if not all of those donations go to the County Executive or his Republican colleagues in the Legislature. The same holds true for the County Executive’s disastrous handling of the Department of Assessment. According to one assessment expert, the rolls are more inaccurate now than they have been at any point in the last 25 years – so why has Blakeman chosen to keep the tax rolls frozen, do nothing, and then dishonestly claim that he “fixed” the system? Campaign donations. The firms that challenge homeowners’ assessments each year make huge sums by taking advantage of a dysfunctional, indefensible roll that is riddled with inaccuracies and discrepancies. And, right on cue, these firms donate generously to Blakeman and the Republicans who keep the system broken for their benefit, and the property owners of Nassau County are the ones who end up paying the price.  Finally, the “why” I find hardest to accept is related to Nassau County’s nearly $100 million in opioid fund reserves. For nearly five years, most of these funds have sat in bank accounts, and as of December, a review of Nassau’s financial system shows that less than 7 percent has made it out of County bank accounts and into actual treatment initiatives. The technical nature of the “why” in this case makes it no less of an outrage. Nassau County’s financial condition is monitored by Moody’s and other rating agencies. A major factor in their determinations are related to municipal reserves. Instead of delivering resources to agencies that are providing life-saving prevention, treatment and recovery resources to people struggling with addiction, Nassau has released the funds at a snail’s pace. Having these funds on the books artificially increases the County’s total reserves. While that may have helped our bond ratings, that is little comfort for families that are desperate for help and hope. Now that we understand the “why” behind these glaring examples of dysfunction, it is incumbent upon us all to answer the next most important question – “how”. How do we correct these errors? How do we install guardrails to prevent their return? Most importantly – how do we ensure that we are always serving the people of Nassau County to the best of our ability?  That must be our mission throughout 2026. It is time for the Legislature to reassert its crucial role as a coequal branch of government and challenge the County Executive when his administration’s actions conflict with the best interests of Nassau County residents. Delia DeRiggi-Whitton, of Glen Cove, is the Democratic Minority Leader of the Nassau County Legislature. She represents the 11th Legislative District and has served since 2012. ⇐ Previous Statement from Democratic Minority Delegation on Recent Events in Minneapolis Next ⇒ Statement From Minority Leader Delia DeRiggi-Whitton Other News in Legislative District 11 Delia DeRiggi-Whitton & NuHealth Bring Mammography Van to Glen Cove’s Charles Evans Center Posted on: October 22, 2026 Nassau DPW – Dosoris Lane Flood Mitigation Work Coming Soon Posted on: October 1, 2026 Minority Leader Delia DeRiggi-Whitton Partners with NuHealth to Bring Mammography Van Posted on: October 1, 2026 | Last Modified on: October 1, 2026 Officials: Nassau DPW Applying for Baxter Pond Dredging Permits Posted on: September 28, 2026 Free Skin Cancer Screenings at Glen Cove Senior Center Posted on: September 24, 2026 Minority Leader DeRiggi-Whitton, Department of Assessment Host H.E.L.P. Workshop Posted on: September 15, 2026 Minority Leader DeRiggi-Whitton Supports GCPD STOP-DWI Grant Posted on: September 14, 2026 Local Officials Announce $5M+ Sewer Expansion Project To Protect Hempstead Harbor, Long Island Sound Posted on: September 10, 2026 Free Skin Cancer Screenings to Glen Cove Senior Center Posted on: September 10, 2026 Delia DeRiggi-Whitton Partners with NuHealth to Bring Mammography Van to Charles Evans Center Posted on: September 4, 2026 DeRiggi-Whitton Invites Property Owners to Attend HELP Event Posted on: August 20, 2026 Minority Leader DeRiggi-Whitton, Nassau County PBA Host Back-To-School Backpack Giveaway Posted on: August 19, 2026 Minority Leader DeRiggi-Whitton, Nassau County PBA Host Back-To-School Backpack Giveaway Posted on: August 18, 2026 Minority Leader DeRiggi-Whitton, Nassau County PBA Host Back-To-School Backpack Giveaway Posted on: August 14, 2026 Minority Leader DeRiggi-Whitton Thanks Benjamin Lumi & Mia Pinto for Summer Internship Posted on: July 29, 2026 | Last Modified on: July 29, 2026 Minority Leader DeRiggi-Whitton Secures $89K for Port Washington Water Pollution Control District Posted on: July 29, 2026 Minority Leader DeRiggi-Whitton Secures $275,000 For Incorporated Village of Port Washington North Posted on: July 29, 2026 Minority Leader DeRiggi-Whitton Secures $100,000 for Port Washington Public Library Posted on: July 29, 2026 Minority Leader DeRiggi-Whitton Celebrates America's 250th Anniversary with the C... Posted on: July 29, 2026 Minority Leader DeRiggi-Whitton Secures $110,000 For Improvements to John Maccarone Memorial Stadium Posted on: July 28, 2026 Minority Leader DeRiggi-Whitton Secures $100K For Playground at Glen Cove School District’s Gribbin Posted on: July 28, 2026 Minority Leader DeRiggi-Whitton Secures $152K For Phase II of Crescent Beach Improvements, Equipment Posted on: July 28, 2026 Minority Leader DeRiggi-Whitton Secures $200,000 for Glen Cove Volunteer Fire Department Posted on: July 28, 2026 Minority Leader DeRiggi-Whitton Secures $350,000 for Pascucci Soccer Field Improvements in Glen Cove Posted on: July 28, 2026 Minority Leader DeRiggi-Whitton, Nassau County PBA Host Back-To-School Backpack Giveaway Posted on: July 20, 2026 Democratic Caucus Attends Groundbreaking for New Eisenhower Park 9/11 Memorial Posted on: July 9, 2026 Minority Leader DeRiggi-Whitton Welcomes Summer Interns Posted on: June 26, 2026 Minority Leader DeRiggi-Whitton, New York State, Present Citizen Preparedness Workshop at Glen Head Posted on: June 25, 2026 | Last Modified on: June 25, 2026 Road Resurfacing Coming To Glen Cove, Sea Cliff & Manorhaven Posted on: June 22, 2026 Minority Leader DeRiggi-Whitton Celebrates Success of Sea Cliff’s First Film Festival Posted on: June 16, 2026 Minority Leader DeRiggi-Whitton Celebrates Success of Inaugural Sea Cliff Film Festival Posted on: June 16, 2026 Resurfacing of Beacon Hill Road Complete in Port Washington Posted on: June 15, 2026 Narcan training held by DeRiggi-Whitton, Chief McCarroll, and Project HELP at Manorhaven Hall Posted on: June 15, 2026 Minority Leader DeRiggi-Whitton Celebrates 95th Anniversary of Baxter Estates Village Posted on: June 15, 2026 DeRiggi-Whitton, Project HELP Long Island Host Narcan Training Session at Manorhaven Village Hall Posted on: May 21, 2026 After 17 Years, Glen Cove’s Hidden Beach to Reopen for Swimming Posted on: May 18, 2026 Heralding A New Dawn At Crescent Beach Posted on: May 15, 2026 Forest Avenue Crosswalk Repainted In Glen Cove Posted on: May 14, 2026 DeRiggi-Whitton Urges NICE Bus To Establish Temporary Shuttle Service In Event of LIRR Strike Posted on: May 14, 2026 TRUMP BACKS GAS TAX HOLIDAY — SO WHY IS BLAKEMAN STILL BLOCKING RELIEF IN NASSAU? Posted on: May 12, 2026 Minority Leader DeRiggi-Whitton Celebrates Laura Kallman Posted on: May 4, 2026 Minority Leader DeRiggi-Whitton Celebrates Grand Opening of Gold Coast Public Library Posted on: May 4, 2026 Minority Leader DeRiggi-Whitton Attends Walkout Ceremony for PWPD Chief Robert Del Muro Posted on: April 30, 2026 DeRiggi-Whitton Highlights Helen Keller National Center’s Sands Point Residential Program Posted on: April 28, 2026 20th “Cooking For A Cure” Fundraiser Honoring Jaime Greenberg Posted on: April 28, 2026 NASSAU LEGISLATORS INTRODUCE BILL TO LEGALIZE MOST E-BIKES AND SCOOTERS Posted on: April 27, 2026 DeRiggi-Whitton, Project HELP Long Island Host Narcan Training Session at Manorhaven Village Hall Posted on: April 24, 2026 The ‘Tale Of Two Shore Roads’ Progresses: Major Steps Forward For Key Road Projects Posted on: April 24, 2026 DeRiggi-Whitton Supports La Fuerza Unida Food Drive, Honors Sal Diaz for Philanthropic Work Posted on: April 20, 2026 Minority Leader DeRiggi-Whitton Attends Loggia Glen Cove Sons of Italy Meeting Posted on: April 20, 2026 Statement from Minority Leader DeRiggi-Whitton on Passing of Tony Jimenez Posted on: April 20, 2026 Minority Leader DeRiggi-Whitton Celebrates April Birthdays at Glen Cove Senior Center Posted on: April 20, 2026 Road Resurfacing Work Set to Begin April 20 in Sea Cliff, Glen Cove, and Manorhaven – Nassau DPW Posted on: April 15, 2026 Road Resurfacing Work Underway In Port Washington Posted on: April 13, 2026 Minority Leader DeRiggi-Whitton Celebrates Easter at Glen Cove Sunrise Mass Posted on: April 6, 2026 First City Project Collective Delivers $15K to Glen Cove Youth, Arts Organizations Posted on: April 6, 2026 Minority Leader DeRiggi-Whitton Announces Summer Re-Opening of Glen Cove’s Crescent Beach Posted on: April 3, 2026 Drainage Improvements Set to Begin on Beacon Hill Road in Port Washington Posted on: March 23, 2026 DeRiggi-Whitton Applauds Additional $2M in NYS Funding for Septic System Replacement Grants Posted on: March 23, 2026 First City Project Collective Delivers $15K to Glen Cove Youth, Arts Organizations Posted on: March 23, 2026 Lawmakers, Advocates Demand Restoration of $13.7 Million in Life-Saving Opioid Settlement Funds Posted on: March 23, 2026 Minority Leader DeRiggi-Whitton and Legislator Russell Attend SOA Retirement Dinner Posted on: March 23, 2026 Blakeman Fails To Deliver Results On His Big Promises Posted on: March 16, 2026 Minority Leader DeRiggi-Whitton Celebrates Appointment of Judge William Bodkin to District Court Posted on: March 11, 2026 NASSAU LEGISLATIVE DEMOCRATS ANNOUNCE KRATOM BAN LEGISLATION AS HEALTH CONCERNS MOUNT Posted on: March 9, 2026 Stalled Legislation Another Symptom of Blakeman Partisan Blockade Posted on: March 3, 2026 Jaime Greenberg Named Honoree of 20th Annual Cooking For A Cure Fundraiser For Diabetes Research Ins Posted on: February 13, 2026 DEMOCRATS INTRODUCE LEGISLATION TO CREATE COUNTYWIDE 3-1-1 SYSTEM, RELIEVE OVERWORKED 911 OPERATORS Posted on: February 9, 2026 Minority Leader DeRiggi-Whitton Celebrates Anna Cacaccio’s 102nd Birthday Posted on: February 6, 2026 DeRiggi-Whitton Celebrates Plant A Row For The Hungry Gallery Exhibition at Port Washington Library Posted on: February 6, 2026 Project HELP Long Island Host Narcan Training Session at Port Washington Public Library Posted on: February 2, 2026 Jaime Greenberg Named Honoree of 20th Annual Cooking For A Cure Fundraiser For Diabetes Research Posted on: February 2, 2026 Statement from Democratic Minority Delegation on Recent Events in Minneapolis Posted on: January 29, 2026 Statement From Minority Leader Delia DeRiggi-Whitton Posted on: January 20, 2026 Delia DeRiggi-Whitton Sworn in As Democratic Minority Leader Posted on: January 13, 2026 DeRiggi-Whitton, Project HELP Long Island Host Narcan Training Sessions at Port Washington Library Posted on: January 13, 2026 | Last Modified on: January 13, 2026 DeRiggi-Whitton Salutes Athletes Helping Athletes, CSEA Local 830 For Success of Holiday Toy Drive Posted on: December 30, 2025 DeRiggi-Whitton Invites Residents to Attend Free Online Community Assessment Grievance Workshops Posted on: December 29, 2025 Welcome Back, Michael Graziosi! Posted on: December 22, 2025 | Last Modified on: December 22, 2025 Looking Ahead To A New Year Of Advocacy And Action Posted on: December 12, 2025 DeRiggi-Whitton Celebrates Holidays in Baxter Estates Posted on: December 5, 2025 Letter from minority Leader DeRiggi-Whitton Regarding North Hempstead Lithium Battery Moratorium Posted on: November 18, 2025 Minority Leader DeRiggi-Whitton, Assessment Host Homeowner Exemption Liaison Program (HELP) Event Posted on: October 23, 2025 Legislators Salute ‘Top Cop’ For Saving Boy From Rip Current Posted on: October 23, 2025 Democratic Legislators and Community Stakeholders Demand Overhaul, Oversight to Save NUMC Posted on: March 4, 2024 Blakeman Administration Has Spent Less Than $202,000 of $92.5 Million in Opioid Settlement Funds Posted on: February 26, 2024 Collura Family Named Honorees of 18th Annual Cooking for a Cure Fundraiser Posted on: February 20, 2024 From Legislator DeRiggi-Whitton: RFP for Site of The View Grill in Glen Cove Needs Revision Posted on: August 17, 2023 Legislator DeRiggi-Whitton Invite Residents to Learn How to Save a Life at Narcan Training Posted on: April 5, 2023 Legislator DeRiggi-Whitton Visits Glen Cove FD Recruitment Drive Posted on: April 26, 2022 Democratic Caucus Honors NYPD Commissioner Keechant Sewell During Women’s History Month Presentation Posted on: March 25, 2022 St. Patrick’s Day Parade Returns to Glen Cove Posted on: March 24, 2022 Legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton Celebrates ‘January Babies’ at Glen Cove Senior Center Posted on: January 25, 2022 Whitton Thanks Supporters for Overwhelming Support of 11th Annual Toys for Tots Drive Posted on: December 9, 2021 LETTER TO THE EDITOR - Legislator DeRiggi-Whitton: Good Riddance to NY American Water Posted on: November 10, 2021 DeRiggi-Whitton Commemorates Veterans Day at Eisenhower Park Ceremony Posted on: November 8, 2021 Legislator DeRiggi-Whitton Celebrates Opening of State Farm Agent Garnet Ardila’s Roslyn Office Posted on: October 25, 2021 Legislator DeRiggi-Whitton Celebrates Grand Opening of Burger Boys Bar & Grill in Glen Cove Posted on: October 25, 2021 DeRiggi-Whitton Commemorates 90th Birthday of Glen Cove Native and Navy Veteran Anthony Petrella Posted on: October 22, 2021 DeRiggi-Whitton Celebrates One-Year Anniversary of The Mary Stanco Team’s Glen Cove Offices Posted on: October 20, 2021 Legislator DeRiggi-Whitton & Dr. Eve Lupenko Announce Free Skin Cancer Screenings Posted on: October 14, 2021 DeRiggi-Whitton Joins St. John’s of Lattingtown for Parish’s 68th Annual Country Fair Posted on: October 13, 2021 DeRiggi-Whitton Honors 75-Year Volunteer Joseph Santoli at Port Washington FD’s 135th Annual Dinner Posted on: October 13, 2021 DeRiggi-Whitton & Dr. Eve Lupenko Announce Free Skin Cancer Screenings Posted on: October 12, 2021 DeRiggi-Whitton Reminds Residents to Register for Tax Exemption Workshop at The Bryant Library Posted on: October 8, 2021 DeRiggi-Whitton Secures $10,000 Hotel-Motel Grant to Support Girls Rising Posted on: October 4, 2021 Whitton Honors Sea Cliff FD’s Enterprise Hose Co. for 125 Years of Community Service Posted on: September 20, 2021 Legislator DeRiggi-Whitton Commemorates 20th Anniversary of 9/11 Posted on: September 16, 2021 Legislator DeRiggi-Whitton Attends PD Graduation Ceremony Posted on: September 16, 2021 Whitton Partners with NuHealth to Host Breast Cancer Screenings at Port Washington Activities Ctr. Posted on: September 8, 2021 Whitton Partners with NuHealth to Host Breast Cancer Screenings at Port Washington Activities Ctr. Posted on: August 27, 2021 Legislator DeRiggi-Whitton, Nassau and Glen Cove PBAs, Glen Cove Auxiliary PD Host Backpack Giveaway Posted on: August 27, 2021 Legislator DeRiggi-Whitton Tours Nassau County Jail Posted on: August 27, 2021 DeRiggi-Whitton Honors Protection Company No. 1 at 129th Annual Installation Dinner Posted on: August 19, 2021 Legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton Partners with NuHealth to Host Breast Cancer Screenings Posted on: August 18, 2021 DeRiggi-Whitton Invites Residents to Attend Upcoming Series of Tax Exemption Workshops Posted on: August 17, 2021 DeRiggi-Whitton Thanks Schreiber H.S. American Heroes Club for Supporting Manorhaven VFW Post 1819 Posted on: August 13, 2021 DeRiggi-Whitton Honors Outgoing Kiwanis NYS Governor Brenda Leigh Johnson Posted on: August 13, 2021 DeRiggi-Whitton with NuHealth to Host Breast Cancer Screenings at Glen Cove Boys & Girls Club Posted on: August 12, 2021 Whitton Honors Amsterdam at Harborside Staff for Dedicated Service as Caregivers During Pandemic Posted on: August 11, 2021 Legislator DeRiggi-Whitton, County Executive Curran Take Boost Nassau Resource Center Door-to-Door Posted on: August 6, 2021 Star-Studded Night at Glen Cove’s Downtown Sounds Posted on: August 2, 2021 Delia DeRiggi-Whitton Partners with NuHealth to Host Breast Cancer Screenings Posted on: July 29, 2021 DeRiggi-Whitton Congratulates Order Sons and Daughters of Italy Loggia 1016 Scholarship Honorees Posted on: July 14, 2021 DeRiggi-Whitton Spreads the Word about the Boost Nassau Resource Center in Glen Cove Posted on: July 9, 2021 Thanking Port's First Responders Posted on: July 6, 2021 Delia DeRiggi-Whitton Celebrates Nassau County’s Fire Marshals at Awards Ceremony Posted on: June 7, 2021 Legislator DeRiggi-Whitton Commemorates Memorial Day in Glen Cove Posted on: June 3, 2021 Legislator DeRiggi-Whitton Congratulates Virginia Cervasio for Commitment to Serving Veterans Posted on: May 28, 2021 DeRiggi-Whitton, Executive Curran, and Others Celebrate Renaming Headquarters William J. Willett Posted on: May 13, 2021 Manorhaven Boulevard Road Resurfacing Project Moving Forward, Legislator DeRiggi-Whitton Announces Posted on: May 11, 2021 Legislator DeRiggi-Whitton Joins Urgent Effort to Find Kidney Donor for Mother of Triplets Posted on: May 7, 2021 County Executive Curran, Legislator DeRiggi-Whitton Commemorate National Donate Life Month Posted on: May 3, 2021 Legislator DeRiggi-Whitton Secures $85K in Funding for New Baseball Field Posted on: April 27, 2021 County Executive Curran, Legislator DeRiggi-Whitton Commemorate National Donate Life Month Posted on: April 26, 2021 DeRiggi-Whitton Updates North Shore Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Members During Monthly Meeting Posted on: April 13, 2021 Live Edit Loading Loading Do Not Show Again Close Arrow Left Arrow Right [] Slideshow Left Arrow Slideshow Right Arrow