Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone, above, took pity on an...

Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone, above, took pity on an aide who played poorly at a Bellone golf fundraiser -- refunding his $1,000 contribution. Credit: Randee Daddona

There is at least one perk for working as Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone’s chief deputy.

Dennis Cohen, Bellone’s top aide, dutifully contributed $1,000 to the county executive’s golf fundraiser last month. But Bellone’s July 15 campaign finance report shows the county executive’s campaign committee refunded Cohen his entire donation to the event.

Jason Elan, Bellone spokesman, indicated Bellone returned the money because Cohen played so poorly that the county executive invoked a links version of the mercy rule. Referring to the cheating judge and country club head played by Ted Knight in the movie “Caddyshack,” Elan said, “Unlike Judge Smalls, Dennis played fair and square, took no mulligans, and was comped, despite his poor performance on the back nine.”

Takeaways from the governor debate ... September home prices fall ... Plays of the week Credit: Newsday

'Forever chemicals' in LI waters ... Takeaways from the governor debate ... AG Letitia James at Newsday ... Trendy Bites: Apple Bay pizza

Subscribe

Unlimited Digital AccessOnly 25¢for 6 months

SUBSCRIBESALE ENDS SOON | CANCEL ANYTIME