Contractors seek probe of Vision LI exec

The Long Island Contractors' Association wants to know whether Vision Long Island executive director Eric Alexander is a lobbyist, and it has asked state ethics officials to investigate.

LICA, which has about 150 members representing more than $4 billion in revenue of Long Island business, sent a letter late last month to Barry Ginsberg, executive director of the State Commission on Public Integrity, which oversees lobbying activities. LICA said in the letter it was unable to locate Alexander's name among lobbyists registered in New York State.

The inquiry from the contractors' group follows months of mounting anger by Long Island business groups against Alexander. Some business groups have complained he has taken positions against projects they favor and has lobbied state and local legislators. Vision Long Island is a nonprofit that promotes smart growth.

Alexander did not return calls but previously said he has supported some of the contractors' projects. A check by Newsday of state-registered lobbyists did not show Alexander's name. Under state law, a person lobbying state or local officials must register.

In its letter to the state, LICA said it was interested in Alexander's "lobbying activities" regarding one bill, which called for state agencies to seek out smart-growth projects, and another project that called for environmental improvements along Route 347 in Suffolk County. LICA said Alexander lobbied on behalf of both.

Alexander "appears actively involved in lobbying state elected and appointed officials," according to the LICA letter, obtained by Newsday.

Marc Herbst, executive director of the contractors' association, said, "Our board of directors has been very concerned about the progress of the industry, and we're just making sure everyone involved in the process is doing everything ethically and according to transparency."

A spokesman for the state ethics commission said the commission is reviewing the letter and would not comment further. Under the law, the penalty for failing to file as a lobbyist is $25,000.