Lavalle invited to testify, but declines

After some tough talk about subpoenas, Suffolk Legis. Ricardo Montano said he is first inviting county GOP chairman John Jay LaValle, by mail, to testify at a Ways and Means Committee hearing Wednesday.

Montano (D-Central Islip), the committee chairman, wants LaValle to explain his calling Montano's move to appeal the court ruling on the county term-limit law "political retribution" against District Attorney Thomas Spota, allegedly for refusing to conduct an investigation Montano sought during his recent unsuccessful State Senate campaign against Assemb. Philip Boyle (R-Bay Shore).

Spota can seek re-election only if the court ruling stands.

But LaValle said he doesn't plan to show up, saying: "This is a matter to be decided in a court of law, not the political arena."-- Rick Brand