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Bellone Saves Fired St. James Santa

The politician uses personal money to restore the seasonal position after Suffolk County Steve Levy cut it out.

The is getting its Santa back.

Democratic candidate for Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone has paid $660 out of his own money to cover the salary for David McKell, an 83-year-old whose gig as the St. James Santa was cut, according to a Newsday report.

Suffolk County executive Steve Levy eliminated the position Friday to save costs at the county-run General Store.

From the Newsday report:

But Bellone's bid to play Santa for Santa -- five days before Election Day -- brought an immediate humbug from a spokesman of his Republican foe, Suffolk Treasurer Angie Carpenter. GOP County Executive Steve Levy, whose budget office initially decided to dump McKell after the last nine years, called Bellone's donation "showboat grandstanding."

What do you think? Are you thankful, or do you think this is grandstanding?

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Just a short thought to get the word out quickly about anything in your neighborhood.
Share something with your neighbors. Write a new post... What's up? Make an announcement, speak your mind, or sell something
swataz May 23, 2013 at 10:17 am
With the budget "we" just passed? That can't be!
robkoz May 23, 2013 at 09:52 am
"Why are Smithtown teachers continuing to pay for school supplies out of their ownRead More pocket?" Since when? Ever see the big list of supplies kids get in their folders at the end of the year for them to bring in next year? I think you're talking about the wrong school district.