Clarkstown official on leave calls for independent review of energy contract
Clarkstown Engineering Director Michael Gianatasio, currently on paid administrative leave, is pushing back on allegations against him while continuing to question finances tied to the town's energy contract.
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Michael Gianatasio, Clarkstown's director of engineering and facilities management, is speaking publicly for the first time to News 12 through his attorney.
In a lengthy statement, Gianatasio pushed back against allegations against him and continued to raise concerns about finances related to the town's energy contract with Siemens Industry Inc.
"I raised these concerns to protect public funds, and I raised them because, after 28 years as a licensed professional engineer, I reasonably believed the records did not add up," said Gianatasio who is calling for an independent review of the contract, saying Clarkstown residents deserve answers.
As previously reported, Gianatasio remains on paid administrative leave while Clarkstown investigates allegations that he failed to disclose private business interests.
This week, Clarkstown Town Attorney Kevin Conway released numerous documents as residents called for greater transparency regarding town finances.
According to the town, these documents are intended to "debunk each of the false claims and statements made by Mr. Gianatasio."
Conway sharply criticized Gianatasio's claims, stating:"Mr. Giantasio is not a whistleblower. He is a liar."
Conway also said that Gianatasio approved the payments in question.
In his statement, Gianatasio acknowledged signing payment applications but defended his actions, saying:"Questioning payments when the numbers do not add up is not misconduct. It is the responsible and prudent thing to do, not simply rubber-stamp this."
