Mangano criticized over golf fundraiser

A Nassau Democratic lawmaker is criticizing County Executive Edward Mangano for holding a campaign fundraiser in South Carolina at a time when negotiations over his precinct realignment plan are ongoing.

"We are on the verge of radically altering public safety here in Nassau County and he is off on a junket," said Legis. Wayne Wink (D-Roslyn). "It's a question of focus."

Mangano's office declined to comment.

The GOP-controlled legislature is set to vote Monday on a plan to downgrade four of eight precincts to community policing centers. Mangano, who is trying to close a $310 million budget deficit, said the plan will save $20 million annually.

The fundraiser, which began Wednesday and runs through March 3 in Myrtle Beach, features hotel accommodations, round-trip airfare and meals for a contribution of $1,895 each for golfers, and $1,495 for nongolfers.

Labor leaders said they were unconcerned about Mangano's trip and said negotiations were continuing. "With cellphones, [Mangano's] physical presence, by not being here, is not impacting the negotiations," said Detectives Association president Glenn Ciccone.

The union is lobbying to keep two to three detectives at the community policing centers. Mangano's plan calls for two officers to staff the centers round-the-clock.

Police Benevolent Association president James Carver said he negotiates primarily with First Deputy Commissioner Thomas Krumpter, rather than Mangano. Carver is heading to Florida Friday through Sunday on a family vacation.

In February 2009, when then-Democratic County Executive Thomas Suozzi took his family to Disney World during labor talks, Republicans raised objections.

Legis. Peter Schmitt (R-Massapequa), now legislative presiding officer, said then that Suozzi should be "at the negotiating table 24/7 on behalf of county residents."