LaValle to collect $100G salary as county GOP leader

Fresh from his November wins, new Suffolk GOP chairman John Jay LaValle is about to begin drawing a salary, of about $100,000 a year. The party leader, in office since September, said that in continuing discussions with the 10 town leaders they have encouraged him to begin taking pay. LaValle also said he plans to continue to do some legal work on the side.

"I communicated to them I will start taking a salary sooner rather than later," said LaValle. "I have some bills to pay."

Talk of LaValle's salary came a day after he held a $200-a-head fundraiser at Villa Lombardi's in Holbrook that drew an estimated 400 party faithful, though the event used only half the catering hall's main room.

- Rick Brand