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Nassau Co. Exec. Mangano Defends Himself Against Sandy Criticism

BETHPAGE, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) - Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano says he's proud of his county's emergency response after superstorm Sandy.

WCBS 880 Long Island Bureau Chief Mike Xirinachs On The Story

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Some village mayors, however, say that the county and state, underestimated the need for manpower and equipment.

"This could have been a storm that had a significant loss of life. I think it's a testament to every emergency responder that there was such a minimal loss of life," Mangano said.

Magano said hindsight is 20/20.

Some complained of a lack of coordination and leadership.

"I would take exception to that," Mangano said.

But Mark Weiss, mayor of Hewlett Harbor, says it's important we learn from this storm and be better prepared from the next.

"That these storms are going to occur again is not the question. It's how we're going to be able to deal with them," Weiss said.

Mangano said that the county's response will be reviewed so it can be better for the next storm.

"Certainly, in the wake of a disaster you always step back and look at best practices and what more can be done," he said.

Do you think Mangano did a good job after Sandy? Sound off below.

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