Nassau Democrats are fuming after Bruce Blakeman quietly re-upped his longtime political ally Peter King’s no-bid contract Monday, accusing the Republican county executive of cronyism and a lack of transparency.
The 81-year-old King, a former Republican congressman, was first hired in November 2023 as Blakeman’s “confidential adviser” on counterterrorism and homeland security, a role that has allowed him to collect up to $8,000 a month without a public vote or an open bidding process due to the sensitive nature of the post.
Records show Nassau has already shelled out $192,000 to King. And his contract, which was extended on Monday by the county executive, will now run through October.
“No-bid contracts for political insiders like Peter King are exactly why Long Islanders pay some of the highest taxes in the country,” county Legislator Seth Koslow, a Democrat who is running against Blakeman in November, told The Post. “Bruce Blakeman is treating our wallets like an ATM for his friends.
“This so-called ‘sensitive’ legal work is just another excuse for a secret payout. While Nassau families are getting squeezed, the GOP machine is cashing in.”
Blakeman called it “ridiculous” that the Democrats were making an issue of the appointment.
He pointed to King’s nearly three decades in Congress, where he chaired the House Homeland Security Committee, served on the Intelligence Committee and helped lead post-9/11 emergency preparedness efforts across New York state. He represented both Nassau and Suffolk counties while working on Capitol Hill.
“Congressman King held the highest security clearances in the federal government, military, and law enforcement, and has not only a wealth of knowledge but an extensive network of intelligence professionals that he has made available to Nassau County,” Blakeman said.
The investment, especially as Nassau cops are gearing up to assist ICE, is needed now more than ever, Blakeman said.
Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder also backed the hire, saying King is “available 24/7” and regularly sits in on meetings with top law enforcement officials from local jurisdictions to the federal level. The ex-congressman has also been intimately involved in major security planning efforts, including last year’s Cricket World Cup held at Eisenhower Park, according to Ryder.
However, the Dems told The Post Blakeman’s move is less about safety and security and more about playing political favorites and doing so without transparency.
Blakeman used a narrow exemption to get King on the payroll that allows the county executive to hire outside legal counsel in “highly sensitive” matters, county records show — a carveout Dems said opens the door to cronyism.
Since taking office, Blakeman has used the provision to dole out more than $500,000 in similar government contracts, including $250,000 to a law firm — previously used by President Trump — for legal advice on fighting Gov. Kathy Hochul’s controversial affordable housing plan.
Most county contracts require a vote from a Nassau Legislature committee and must go through a competitive bidding process aimed at securing the lowest possible price for taxpayers.
Typically, only contracts under $1,000 can bypass bidding requirements — but King’s deal wasn’t brought before lawmakers or opened up to other vendors.
“Even if it’s legal, it doesn’t mean it’s ethical or defensible,” said Koslow. “Quite frankly, it’s a handout.”
King’s relationship with Blakeman dates back years. The two have appeared together at multiple events, including Blakeman’s recent reelection kickoff and over the past 25 years, King and his committees have poured more than $1.1 million into local politics, including many donations to Blakeman and the Nassau GOP.
Since leaving office in 2021, King has worked as a lobbyist and consultant, but said he still maintains active ties with federal law enforcement and national security officials, spending several hours a week on county business.
“I’m not saying it needs to be me instead of someone else,” King told Newsday. “But I think it’s good to have somebody on the outside who can add a different dimension.”
Blakeman has not said whether he plans to extend King’s contract beyond this year.
