Legis. Muratore hires ex-Montano aide

Suffolk Legis. Tom Muratore (R-Ronkonkoma) has reached across the aisle to hire an aide to former Democratic Legis. Rick Montano. Staffer Robert Martinez, 55, of Port Jefferson Station, worked for eight years for Montano, who lost a primary to Legis. Monica Martinez (D-Brentwood). Robert Martinez (no relation) said he changed registration from Democrat to Republican without being asked. Some Democrats accused Montano of siding too often with Republicans. Also joining Muratore's staff is Brendan Chamberlain, a Republican who worked for the late Democratic presiding officer William Lindsay. -- Rick Brand