Levy, elected officials clash over hiring rights

Five countywide elected officials in Suffolk clashed with aides to County Executive Steve Levy for nearly two hours Wednesday over a bill to give them authority to fill budgeted jobs in their offices.

But when the smoke cleared, the measure was tabled and one Levy aide raised the possibility of a compromise.

"I think a compromise can be reached," said Levy aide Ben Zwirn, adding that he "understands the frustrations of the elected officials" and believes the administration "is willing to work with you to find a solution."

Later, Levy said he is willing to talk, and perhaps loosen approvals on hiring forms. But he repeated that he will go to court, "if the power of the county executive to control spending is eviscerated."

District Attorney Thomas Spota and the four other countywide elected officials - the comptroller, sheriff, treasurer and clerk - accused Levy of severely hampering their ability to do their jobs.

Spota, speaking for the five, said, "Assertions that this is an 'anti-taxpayer power grab' . . . and [that] Mr. Levy will be deprived of the ability to manage the budget are not true. This bill should be considered pro-taxpayer legislation" because elected officials know where best to cut their own budgets.

The measure was tabled after Levy aides pointed out the bill's language would require the elected officials to fill positions rather than give them the power to do so. They also said the term "department," which in the bill refers to the offices run by the elected officials, is in conflict with the county charter and administrative code.