Suffolk PBA survey sparks flood of calls

The Suffolk Police Benevolent Association has a company surveying residents by phone about the union's newly proposed contract. Those who state support are offered a chance to be transferred to their legislators' offices to say so.

Some offices have been inundated, upsetting staffers, said legislative sources, who recalled a similar tactic used years ago when a tobacco company lobbied against anti-smoking bills. Noel DiGerolamo, PBA president, said he's received no survey results but was "happy to hear legislators are getting calls" because it indicates support.

But Terry Pearsall, top aide to Presiding Officer William Lindsay (D-Holbrook), said the calls mean little as legislators have yet to get final contract details.-- Rick Brand