Tonna elected chairman of Suffolk IDA

Paul J. Tonna, a former legislative chief in Suffolk County, was elected unanimously Thursday by the county's Industrial Development Agency to be its chairman.

Tonna succeeds Jim Morgo who resigned last year, citing conflicting obligations.

Tonna's election came two days after a contentious legislative vote appointing him to the IDA board. Some lawmakers expressed concern about Tonna being asked to join the IDA by County Executive Steve Bellone, not the legislature.

IDA members are selected by the legislature.

Tonna's consulting work for the Heartland mini-city development in Brentwood drew the ire of some unions who have clashed with the developer. However, the unions failed to convince the legislature to delay a vote on Tonna.

Tonna has cited his many actions in support of unions when he served as the legislature's presiding officer.