Exiting Brookhaven supe: Will return funds

In a surprise move, exiting Brookhaven Supervisor Mark Lesko says he will return the $107,622 in his campaign fund to donors rather than send it to the Democratic Party to help his top aide Brian Beedenbender's bid to succeed him.

Lesko, who steps down Sept. 14, disclosed the plan last week after Republican officials complained that he would taint his transition to a nonpolitical job with Accelerate Long Island if his campaign fund were used in a partisan way. "I am not going to be an issue in this campaign," Lesko said -- noting he will donate a small part of his fund to charities. -- Rick Brand