Mangano has 'good expectations' for upcoming corruption trial

Former Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano said he has "good expectations" for his upcoming corruption trial that is slated to begin next week in Central Islip. 
His comment came after a pretrial hearing Thursday where the judge considered several pretrial motions. Former Oyster Bay Town Supervisor John Venditto was also in court. 
Mangano, his wife Linda and Venditto are all facing charges related to an alleged bribery scheme.  Federal prosecutors say the former elected officials accepted bribes from a restaurateur identified by sources as Harendra Singh in exchange for vendor contracts and a $20 million loan guarantee from the Town of Oyster Bay.
"I really appreciate the opportunity you always give me to speak, but now is not the time," said Venditto upon leaving the courthouse. 
Mangano, however, expressed optimism and an eagerness to publicly refute the federal government's charges.
"I'm looking forward to an opportunity to get our side out. It's been a long road, we've taken a lot of hits," said the former county executive. "I have a lot of confidence in our judicial system, and we'll have the opportunity to see it to its end." 
Jury selection is slated to begin Monday.