Spin Cycle: Christmas comes early for Suffolk Santa

Despite ongoing budget woes, Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone at least has the county funds to hire back Santa Claus this December at the St. James General Store.

Bellone aides say the county parks department sent a contract to David McKell, 84, who's played St. Nick for a decade. Four days before last year's county executive election, Bellone picked up the $660 tab so McKell would appear weekends at the historic store. County Executive Steve Levy's budget office had declined to fund him.

McKell said he's happy to return. "It's a wonderful experience for the kids," he said. "There's no push to buy like there is at department stores. It's just nice and homey and looks like Santa's workshop."-- Rick Brand