Levy keeps a low profile

Four days after announcing that he will not seek re-election, Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy continued to stay away from his office Monday.

Levy may take most, and possibly all of the week off, spokesman Dan Aug said. Levy also was not at work Friday.

"He's taking some time with his wife that he hasn't had for some time," Aug said. Asked for Levy's whereabouts, Aug said only: "Away."

Levy, who did not answer the door at his Bayport home Monday morning, has made no public comments since announcing Thursday that he would not seek re-election, saying "questions" had been raised about his campaign fundraising. Under an agreement with District Attorney Thomas Spota, Levy, 51, will turn over his $4-million campaign war chest to the district attorney's office.

Aug said Levy was in contact with him, his deputy executives and department heads Monday on issues including land-use planning and implementation of an electronic system to track gunshots in several areas of the county. Levy "has his hands firmly on the wheels of the county," Aug said.

Two deputy county executives who Aug said had consulted with Levy on county business did not return phone calls and referred questions to Aug.

Levy's absence drew fire from Legis. Jon Cooper (D-Lloyd Harbor), who said Levy should be at work dealing with looming state budget cuts. "Of all weeks for the county executive to be not here," said Cooper, the legislative majority leader.

Other lawmakers said they understood Levy's decision to take time off. "I'm sure the decision he made last week was a traumatic one for him and his family," said presiding officer William Lindsay (D-Holbrook).

Legis. Kate Browning (WF-Shirley), who has clashed with Levy over his move to sell the John J. Foley Skilled Nursing Facility in Yaphank, said, "There are some very competent people who work [in Levy's office]. I'm sure his office is still functioning."

Legis. Tom Barraga (R-West Islip) said he spoke with Levy after the announcement, but declined to characterize their conversation in detail. "I think he's doing OK. I think it's a tough circumstance. I can only surmise how I would feel. It would be traumatic. ...I think he should take some time."

Frank MacKay, state and Suffolk chairman of the Independence Party, said he spoke to Levy this weekend. "He seems to be in a good place, but he expressed frustration that he couldn't discuss anything."