Quogue Village officials said this week that they unanimously support Mayor George Motz, who pleaded not guilty last Thursday, August 28, in federal court to charges that he illegally allotted profitable trades to his Manhattan-based investment firm and tried to cover up an ensuing investigation.
Although no one was willing to comment on the felony charges filed against Mr. Motz, all those who were interviewed agreed that he has done a fine job as mayor of the village for the past six years.
Village Police Chief Robert B. Coughlan said he does not have firsthand knowledge of the mayor’s activities at Melhado, Flynn & Associates, the financial company where Mr. Motz serves as president and chief executive officer. However, Chief Coughlan said the mayor has accomplished great things for the village.
“I will say he’s been a great mayor,” he said on Wednesday. “Whatever happens, the truth will come out. We believe in him.”
Village Trustee Jeanette Obser echoed Chief Coughlan’s comments. “George is a terrific mayor, he’s done an amazing job in our village,” she said. “I believe in him and the job he has done.”
Mr. Motz, who pleaded not guilty to criminal charges that he cherry-picked accounts at his financial firm, said he has no intention of stepping down as mayor. State law requires that elected officials resign from their post only after they have been convicted of a felony.
Trustee Peter Sartorius called the indictment “disappointing,” but said he could not comment further because he did not have independent knowledge of the case. He added that Mr. Motz has done a solid job as mayor up to this point.
“I absolutely support him in continuing to do his job as mayor as the process unfolds over the next several months,” Mr. Sartorius said. “It’s not something that is related to his performance as mayor.”
Mr. Sartorius added that he and his fellow trustees were not surprised by the indictment, as the mayor had alerted the board in advance. “He had given us some limited forewarning,” he said on Wednesday.
Village Attorney Richard DePetris also had no comment on the indictment. However, Mr. DePetris added that he would continue to support Mr. Motz as mayor as long as he was in office.
Village Trustees Randy Cardo and Kimberley Payne could not be reached for comment this week.
