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 on

See Full Page