Spin page: Levy hires former Gaffney aide

While warning of hundreds of potential layoffs, Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy has hired a former Republican aide of his predecessor, Robert Gaffney. He'sTodd Johnson, $82,000-a-year county executive assistant, who had been a $126,000-a-year deputy county executive in October 2003, shortly before Levy was elected. Under Levy, Johnson became a $90,000-a-year assistant deputy county executive and left after three months. "We were happy to have him stay but that salary was too lofty for us," Levy said. "But he graciously declined." He'll be taking over work left by two vacancies, Levy said. John Jay LaValle, Suffolk GOP chairman, confirmed recommending Johnson. Levy said LaValle "vouched" for Johnson but he got the job because of his resume.

- Rick Brand