When Republicans controlled Brookhaven Town Hall, Fireworks by Grucci gave the town a “family discount” for its July 4 pyrotechnics show. Now that Democrats are in, taxpayers are getting no such break.
For its efforts last week at the Bald Hill Amphitheater, the Grucci firm charged the town $15,000 for a 15-minute display.
For the last two years, Grucci charged $20,000 for the Independence Day show, but gave the town a $10,250 discount, making the net bill $9,750. In 2004, Grucci did four other fireworks shows for the town, and give a $4,500 discount off a $12,000 bill.
Felix Grucci, who was Republican supervisor for five years ending in 2000, said there’s “nothing sinister” and no politics involved in what his family fireworks business charged — and it would be “absolutely inaccurate to portray” it that way. However, Grucci said he was not personally involved in the transaction and could not explain details of the deal (continued)...
According to a handwritten note on the claim voucher, Grucci offical Philip Butler told the town officials “the higher amount was due to designer inventory, quality and entertainment value.” Further, it said there was an increase in the number of shells used from 800 to 1,400.
Town Supervisor Brian Foley said, “I was surprised to find out that the Grucci family no longer considers the Town of Brookhaven to be friends and family. I was raised to believe that town government is all about improving where we live, work and raise our families — regardless of political party.”
Jack Schnirman, deputy supervisor, said that normally any spending over $10,000 goes out to bid. But when the town at the last minute found that the price for this year’s fireworks would be higher than before, the town attorney advised that it could be considered a professional services contract because special expertise was needed. Schnirman added, however, that the town is considering puttting the fireworks out to bid next year.
Rick Brand
Comments (2)
I understand that Newsday is giving Tom Suozzi a lot of ink for his governor run because he's a local guy, but chances are he won't even be near the ballot on Nov. 7. If the election were held today, governor candidates Malachy McCourt of the Green Party or Phoebe Legere of the Integrity Party would poll better than Suozzi. Newsday has to get out of its backroom style of thinking.
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