Early Indie endorsement for Bellone could further limit GOP options
At a meeting of the Regional Plan Association in Manhattan on Friday, April 24, 2015, Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone joins the debate on whether governments should be encouraging the retreat from areas at risk for flooding and sea level rise. Credit: Yeong-Ung Yang
The Suffolk Independence Party, which usually makes its endorsements last, has jumped out early to back County Executive Steve Bellone for re-election, a move which may make it even tougher for Republicans to find a serious contender.
Frank MacKay, state and Suffolk Independence chairman, disclosed the early endorsement two days after Assemb. Anthony Palumbo pulled the plug on a potential race against Bellone. “Suffolk County has made great progress under Steve Bellone and we know the best is yet to come,” said MacKay.
Suffolk Republicans, meanwhile, are scrambling to find another contender with the county convention only weeks away. County GOP chairman John Jay LaValle acknowledged speaking Thursday with Islip town board member Trish Bergin Weichbrodt and reviewing results of a recent poll with her. LaValle, a former Brookhavern supervisor, also declined to comment on whether he would be willing to run if the GOP cannot find another contender.
LI hospitals took $4.8B in property value off tax rolls ... Police: Human remains found in Nassau park ... LI to pay greater portion of SNAP food benefits
