Bellone asks for candidate's budget ideas

Republican legislative contender Kevin McCaffrey got a personal letter from Democratic Suffolk Executive Steve Bellone, who'd seen the candidate's palm card vowing to "reduce the county's $250 million deficit."

Bellone, who lives in the same district, asked in the Sept. 3 letter for "suggestions on how you will reduce the county deficit . . . so I can consider them in my upcoming budget," which was unveiled Friday. McCaffrey said: "Though you have been in office for more than 700 days, you asked me to provide fixes to your executive budget within a seven-day deadline. This disparity makes me question the sincerity of your letter and actual willingness to work across party lines." -- Rick Brand