State audit sought for town’s finances

About 60 people rallied outside Huntington Town Hall before Tuesday’s town board meeting demanding a state audit of the town’s finances. The rally was organized by the Conservative Society for Action in response to and in support of a demand by town board member Gene Cook for such an audit.

“We want to make sure taxpayer money is being spent properly,” said Art DiScala, Huntington coordinator for the Conservative Society for Action. “We don’t want to see any $1,000 hammers you hear about.”

Supporters waved American flags and held signs that read “audit now” as drivers passed by honking car horns.

Huntington officials said every year the town is audited by an independent accounting firm. Those reports as well as those generated by the town are sent to the state comptroller’s office.

Cook, who did not attend the rally, said he appreciated the support. He said the last state performance audit of the town was in 1997.

“I’m just trying to do the right thing for the people,” Cook said.