Gregory blames Bellone backers for residency probe

Suffolk Presiding Officer DuWayne Gregory is blaming backers of County Executive Steve Bellone for a short-lived district attorney probe that, he told colleagues, cleared him of claims he lived outside his district, legislative sources say.

Sources say Gregory (D-Amityville) believes it arose because Bellone had preferred Legis. Louis D'Amaro (D-North Babylon) for presiding officer. They say Gregory confronted Bellone's close political ally, Babylon Democratic chairman Robert Stricoff, who denied responsibility. At Suffolk Democratic chairman Richard Schaffer's urging, Gregory met with Bellone, whose aide Jon Schneider says neither Bellone, Stricoff nor anyone connected to the administration was involved.

Gregory said: "I stand ready to work with the county executive if he's ready to put political fantasies aside and do the business of the people." DA Thomas Spota declined to comment. Stricoff didn't return calls.

-- Rick Brand