Christina Capobianco, chief deputy to Suffolk comptroller, joins Suffolk health department

Departing Suffolk Comptroller Joseph Sawicki's chief deputy, Christina Capobianco, is joining the administration of County Executive Steve Bellone as the health department's top fiscal aide.

Capobianco, a Republican, starts Monday as deputy health commissioner for finance operations at the same $150,101-a-year salary she received in the comptroller's office. Capobianco, a certified public accountant, said she interviewed over the summer with Health Commissioner James Tomarken, who agreed to let her finish working for Sawicki, who leaves Dec. 31. "I knew this day was coming," she said. "And I feel comfortable my experience in finance is a good fit for the department." Comptroller-elect John Kennedy, a Republican who made it clear he plans to bring in his own top advisers, said he respects her decision.-- Rick Brand