Levy raps Suffolk lawmakers over tax hikes

Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy Wednesday lambasted Suffolk lawmakers for voting to hike property taxes after Election Day and said he will file a proposed a charter change to force them to act on tax hikes before voters go to the polls.

Levy, flanked by more than a dozen tea party activists, said he was angered by the tax increase, calling it "a total flip-flop" from the platforms lawmakers ran on to reduce government spending and do more with less.

"In the future, the legislature should have to play it straight and not wait until after Election Day to vote," Levy said.

Frank Seabrook, founder of New York Liberty PAC, which raises money for tea party candidates, assailed lawmakers in both parties who backed the budget that was approved 16-2. "The leaders of both political parties conspired together . . . There is a two party system -- it's us against them."

Levy's latest attack comes 45 days before he leaves office and a week after the legislature amended Levy's $2.7 billion budget, restoring all but 88 of the 710 jobs Levy proposed axing along with a $12.3 million property tax hike for police services that will be levied on Suffolk's five western towns -- about $20 per household.

Deflecting Levy's criticism, lawmakers say they announced plans for the tax increase the day before the election -- as soon as the bipartisan budget working group presented the package to each party's caucus.

"Levy presented us with a sham budget that was completely out of whack and would have virtually shut down the county," said Legis. Jon Cooper (D-Lloyd Harbor), adding that lawmakers made changes to keep vital services intact.

"His indignation is somewhat disingenuous," said John M. Kennedy (R-Nesconset), minority leader.