Suffolk Legis. Robert Trotta's website has old altered photos

Aides to Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone took shots last week at a website called "Trotta for Suffolk," saying that Suffolk Legis. Robert Trotta (R-Fort Salonga) Photoshopped some pictures of himself.

The website looks unfinished, with many stock photos with models. But several photos appear altered, with Trotta’s face atop someone else’s younger, fitter body.

Jason Elan, spokesman for Bellone, a Democrat, said, “It’s interesting to see that the Suffolk GOP’s early front-runner [for county executive] already has a campaign website filled with fake pictures and zero substance.”

Trotta acknowledged the photos were altered. "This is a 6-year-old template website, with three photos created by a childhood friend that were never used." Trotta accused Bellone of "wasting taxpayers' money having his staff doing campaign research."

Trotta said response to his potential candidacy has been strong. He confirmed he met recently with former County Executive Steve Levy, a Republican, and Levy's former political consultant Michael Dawidziak about the feasibility of a race.

Rick Brand