Wayne H. Wink Jr. for Nassau County comptroller

The position of county comptroller isn’t a particularly glamorous one. Yet, as fiscal watchdog, it’s one of Nassau County’s most important jobs — the office where oversight, accountability and openness begin. The person who fills the role must keep a critical, close eye on Nassau’s finances, while utilizing the office’s audit powers to evaluate the effectiveness of key county functions and departments. It’s also a bully pulpit to spotlight concerns.

In her first term as county comptroller, Republican Elaine R. Phillips, 65, has disappointingly failed to deliver on those responsibilities. Phillips, who worked on Wall Street and previously served as mayor of Flower Hill, where she resides, and a state senator, did not sit down with us for an interview. But the comptroller’s website lists only one full audit over the last four years: of Hempstead Town’s Sanitary District No. 7. While Phillips conducted some limited “reviews,” they were incomplete and insufficient. She has not comprehensively evaluated the county’s fiscal standing or decision-making, even though there’s been plenty to question.

Wayne H. Wink Jr. first ran for Nassau comptroller more than a decade ago, challenging former Comptroller Howard Weitzman in a primary bid. While Wink dropped out of that race before the primary, the Mineola Democrat has kept his eye on the county’s fiscal watchdog position ever since. He’s ready for the challenge.

Wink previously served as Nassau County legislator and North Hempstead Town clerk. Now counsel for the Nassau Legislature’s minority caucus, Wink has insight into what’s working — and what’s not.

Among Wink’s priorities are full field audits, which objectively analyze finances and operations and provide recommendations, of the county’s assessment system and the jail. He promises to assess county contracts, including the extensive and expensive use of outside counsel, and efforts like the special deputies program. Wink, 58, suggests analyzing the success or failure of Industrial Development Agency tax break recipients and looking at economic development efforts, including the Nassau Hub’s future plans and the failed proposal for NYU Langone to add a hospital on Nassau Community College land. Wink’s comptroller office would also stay atop developments at Nassau University Medical Center, including having someone at each board meeting.

It’s a long list, one that might not be realistic in less capable hands. But Wink’s skills could make the comptroller’s office efficient and effective. In suggesting the comptroller should work with the Nassau Interim Finance Authority where possible, Wink also puts the job he’s seeking into context, saying: “If we do our jobs, the comptroller should be a natural successor to NIFA.”

Wink rightly notes that a comptroller doesn’t always have to make a value judgment, but should provide taxpayers with valuable information and insight. He has the experience, knowledge and thoughtfulness to do just that.

Newsday Opinion endorses Wink.