George Maragos mulls run for Nassau County executive, say insiders

Political insiders say Republican Nassau Comptroller George Maragos has met with Nassau Democratic Chairman Jay Jacobs about the possibility of running for county executive as a Democrat next year — though neither will confirm the discussions.

Maragos said through a spokeswoman that he does not comment on rumors.

Jacobs said, “I have no comment on that. If it was true, I wouldn’t talk about it. If it wasn’t true, I wouldn’t talk about it.”

The Democratic chairman acknowledged, however, that he talks to most elected officials occasionally.

Maragos, who won his first bid for public office when he defeated Democratic incumbent county comptroller Howard Weitzman in 2009, is not expected to be nominated by Republicans next year for a third term.

Some of Maragos’ audits have angered County Executive Edward Mangano and members of Mangano’s Republican administration.

His last report on police overtime, for example, drew scathing criticism from acting Police Commissioner Thomas Krumpter, who questioned Maragos’ competence and motives.

In addition, Maragos has forced out a number of Republican loyalists who worked for him.

They include North Hempstead Deputy GOP leader Frank Moroney, now communications director for the Republican majority on the county legislature; former Oyster Bay Town Clerk Steve Labriola, now chief compliance officer for Mangano; and former Glen Cove Republican leader Paul Meli, now a District Court judge.