A tale of two Anthonys in Nassau County

He had the right name, the right profession, but it turned out he was the wrong Anthony Sabino.

The exact reason for what appears to be a bureaucratic bungle may never be known because the office of Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano is not talking.

What is certain is that Anthony Michael Sabino, a Mineola-based attorney, was appointed to the Long Island Regional Planning Council last month. The bi-county advisory panel deals with land-use and development issues.

He even showed up to have his appointment to the council approved by the legislature at its Sept. 24 meeting.

The only problem was the intended appointee was Anthony J. Sabino of Bethpage, also an attorney.

Cara Longworth, the council's executive director, said last week the paperwork she received from the county legislature spoke of the appointment of Anthony Michael Sabino, of Sabino & Sabino PC law firm in Mineola.

Sabino, the Mineola attorney, was not available for comment Wednesday, but last week he said he was told months ago by Deputy County Attorney Martha Krisel that he was getting the appointment.

"Then, the county executive's office contacted me. I was asked to come in" on Sept. 24. "I and many other folks were on the agenda, and it said 'Anthony Michael Sabino,' " he said last week. "Our names were called in session, I introduced myself and Mr. Schmitt announced I was approved," he said, referring to Presiding Officer Peter Schmitt, who died suddenly on Oct. 3.

The intended appointee for the position was Anthony Sabino of Bethpage, also an attorney, specializing in land use, zoning and water issues, and representing the Bethpage Water District.

"It's my understanding that the paperwork error is being corrected and that the intended Anthony Sabino of Bethpage is being appointed to the council," council chairman John D. Cameron said Wednesday.

Anthony Sabino, the Bethpage attorney, said last week that it was his understanding he was being appointed to the council. He said that he knew Mangano from talking with him about the Grumman plume groundwater issue in Bethpage. He noted they were "fellow Bethpage residents."

Brian Nevin, a spokesman for Mangano, said the county executive was unavailable for comment. Sabino, the Bethpage attorney, offered some insight into the matter.

"I got a call from Martha Krisel yesterday [Tuesday] and she said that apparently she made the error because she knows the other Anthony Sabino," the Bethpage attorney said. "And when the county executive mentioned the name, she said she'd take care of it" and apparently contacted Sabino of Mineola.

"I think that's how it happened and I understand it's being corrected," the Bethpage attorney said.

"I look forward to working with the council."