Clarkstown official on leave as investigation prompts public questions
The controversy drew residents to a recent town board meeting, where some called for transparency and accountability.
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A Clarkstown town official has been placed on paid administrative leave as town leaders investigate allegations involving his private business interests, a development that has sparked questions from residents and local officials.
According to the town attorney, Michael Gianatasio, the town's director of engineering and facilities management, is accused of failing to disclose several private business interests. The allegations include contact with a company regarding potential work connected to a business associated with his wife.
The town attorney said the investigation began last year after the town received a complaint from a vendor. As a result of the allegations, Gianatasio was placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
The controversy drew residents to a recent town board meeting, where some called for transparency and accountability. Community members questioned what they described as discrepancies totaling nearly $600,000 related to an energy contract that Gianatasio had reportedly raised concerns about.
The town attorney says that Gianatasio's claims regarding the contract surfaced as an attempt to divert attention from the allegations against him.
However, Gianatasio's attorney disputes that characterization. In a statement, his attorney said Gianatasio is "a whistleblower who is being singled out for uncovering fraud, abuse and waste in the town."
Town officials say the investigation is ongoing.
