Suffolk GOP Chair LaValle, mentioned for PSC, says he wouldn't accept

John Jay LaValle, the Suffolk Republican chairman, said several people have spoken to him about the possibility of a $109,800-a-year seat on the state Public Service Commission. But he said he couldn’t consider the job because it would limit him from conducting his law practice.

LaValle said that as former Brookhaven supervisor he was involved in many key energy issues involving the Long Island Power Authority and the Caithness power plant, and would “love to return to government,” but only in a post that is “something signficant.” 

Currently, Patricia Acampora, former Suffolk GOP chairwoman and a former assemblywoman, sits on the commission, but her term is up at year’s end. However, she has the support of Richard Schaffer, Suffolk Democratic chairman, and a good relationship with Cuomo.

Several GOP sources say Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan (R-East Northport) is looking for a landing spot for LaValle in light of the ongoing war between the GOP chair and Suffolk Conservative chairman Edward Walsh, which has included veiled threats that the minor party might withhold backing for GOP State Senate candidates next year if LaValle does not exit. Others have mentioned a possible appointment for LaValle with the state parole board.

The GOP chairman said no one has raised the parole board with him and downplayed any Conservative push to seek his removal as chairman. LaValle said he was re-elected unanimously only a month ago to a new two-year term and claimed efforts by Walsh are nothing but “a lot of hot air, a lot of theater.”