Union leaders, local Dems blast Suffolk County for axing 20-year contract in favor of politically connected firm

Source: New York Post

Union leaders blasted Suffolk County for scrapping a nearly 20-year contract with a unionized construction firm in favor of a politically connected contractor. The Suffolk County Department of Public Works abruptly axed its longtime contract with union-backed, Bohemia-based Austin Drywall Corp. , last month — then moved to award the work to Renu Contracting & Restoration, owned by Michael VanDenburg, who was appointed last year to the county Planning Commission by Republican Suffolk Executive Ed Romaine.