After 12 turbulent years, Monday marks the final day in office for Lisanne Altmann, Nassau’s most outspoken legislator, who begins a full-time job at LIPA, where she had been working part-time.
The Great Neck Democrat irked both allies and opponents by studying proposed legislation, questioning any contradictions and challenging assumptions. She is perhaps best known for asking the former Republican administration why it needed more money for employees’ health insurance program — sparking an investigation that unveiled an insurance scandal that landed some participants in prison and cost taxpayers millions.
She says she is proud that she helped prompt a federal investigation of the Nassau jail following the beating death of an inmate. She also cites her part in pressuring for a management change at the Nassau University Medical Center, though her tactics infuriated County Executive Thomas Suozzi.
“Looking back on it I was privileged to be able to ask any question I wanted to,” Altmann said. “My district supported...
Celeste Hadrick
.... my maverick-like status. I hope somebody else steps in and fills that role now. Somebody has to ask the questions.”
Altmann decided against seeking re-election after her district turned against her last year when she joined with Republicans in a failed coup against Democratic Presiding Officer Judy Jacobs.“Now the politics is behind me,” Altmann said. “I’m going to devote myself to working with LIPA chairman Kevin Law and the governor on energy-efficient projects on Long Island