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Steve Levy
Bellone Touts Newsday Endorsement
Nov 7th - 1:23 pm
Democratic Suffolk County executive candidate Steve Bellone has launched a last-minute radio ad touting his endorsement by THE local paper of record, Newsday, as the Democrats put the finishing touches on their effort to wrest the top local elected office back from GOP hands.
(Technically speaking, it was in Democratic hands until the outgoing incumbent, Steve Levy, switched his enrollment to the GOP in a failed attempt to get the party’s nod to run against now-Gov. Andrew Cuomo in 2010). Suffolk County Democratic Chairman Richard Schaffer announced the ad during a conference call this morning, during which he also discussed the party’s GOTV operation this past weekend.
“Steve Bellone is running a strong, grassroots campaign for County Executive,” Schaffer said in a press release. “The Suffolk County Democratic Committee has put together an unprecedented effort to elect Steve Bellone and keep a Democratic County Legislature and the statistics for our ‘Get Out the Vote’ weekend are remarkable. Last weekend we knocked on over 55,000 doors and placed another 45,000 phone calls.”
Newsday’s endorsement of Bellone came last Friday. It’s also quite complimentary of his GOP opponent, County Treasurer Angie Carpenter, saying she has “a broader understanding of the county” and “knows how to work with an 18-member legislature – a skill that Bellone would have to develop.” Bellone’s ad makes no mention of this, although it does urge listeners to go to Newsday.com and read the endorsement for themselves.
Ultimately, the paper decided to go with Bellone because of his “real experience negotiating with organized labor to achieve savings.” Bellone has been endorsed by the PBA, which warred with Levy, and that could put him in an awkward situation during future negotiations, Newsday noted.
In the end, however, the paper concluded the Babylon supervisor “has more executive skills, a wider vision, a deep commitment to data-based management, and the drive to translate all that into action” than his Republican opponent.
Flanagan ‘Surprised’ By Lazio’s County Exec Trial Balloon
Apr 11th - 5:50 pm
CapTon’s Nick Reisman caught up with Sen. John Flanagan today to get his reaction to Rick Brand’s report that former Rep./2010 gubernatorial contender Rick Lazio is considering a run for Suffolk County executive now that incumbent Steve Levy has been forced to the sidelines.
Flanagan, who is considered a frontrunner for the GOP nod, but has not yet announced his intentions, said he was “as surprised as a bunch of people” to learn of Lazio’s potential interest in the job, but tried to put a more-the-merrier sping on things.
The senator said he considers Lazio a viable candidate and confirmed that he’s indeed still mulling the race himself. Candidate screenings are scheduled to start this week.
So far, Suffolk County Treasurer Angie Carpenter is the lone announced GOP contender. (The Suffolk County GOP was the first to endorse Lazio’s gubernatorial bid, but then jumped ship to join state GOP Chairman Ed Cox in backing Levy, leaving some bad blood between the county committee and the ex-congressman).
Babylon Town Supervisor Steve Bellone is considered the likely Democratic candidate. He has been fundraising for some time now, and is expected to announce his candidacy April 27.
Suffolk GOP Chair: Levy Mess A ‘Democrat Problem’
Mar 25th - 5:28 pm
Suffolk County GOP Chairman John Jay LaValle said he was “surprised” as anyone to learn of the fundraising probe that forced Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy to forgo his re-election bid this fall, but he’s refusing to let his party take the blame.
According to LaValle, this is a “Democrat problem” because the bulk of Levy’s questionable cash came into his campaign coffers before he switched parties.
“The district attorney made it very clear: These events took place when Steve Levy was a Democrat,” LaValle said. “The money that was raised was raised when he was a Democrat, and the who may or may not be in trouble and were participating in these activities were more likely than not Democrats.”
“Steve Levy hasn’t raised a whole lot since he was a Republican,” the chairman continued. “He came tot he Republican Party and he had $5 million. Now he has $4.2 or 3 (million). So if you do the math, it’s pretty evident that the overwhelming majority of money raised was raised for a Democrat by Democrats.”
“This is not a Republican problem, and as the story unfolds, I think people are going to see that.”
A look back at the timeline: Levy entered the 2010 race for governor in mid-March 2010, switching his party affiliation in the process.
Cox: Levy Would Have Made A Good Governor
Mar 25th - 12:15 pm
State GOP Chairman Ed Cox said he was “surprised” to learn of the political fundraising improprieties that have forced Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy to forgo his re-election bid this fall, but would not say he regretted trying to woo the Democrat-turned-Republican into the 2010 governor’s race.
In fact, Cox heaped praise on Levy, saying he had been a “terrific county executive who always fought for the taxpayers of his county and was very effective in implementing pro-growth policies.” The chairman insisted Levy would be doing the same thing at the state level had he been successful in his gubernatorial bid.
“His policies were not only fiscally responsible, but pro-growth, and that’s what we need as governor,” Cox told me.
“What I’m saying is that the policies that he stood for and fought for in Suffolk County and implemented very effectively are eaxctly the policies that we need in New York State.”
“…We do need nuclear power in this state. We do need to get rid of LIFO for teachers. We do need to make sure that, over time, the rent controls in New York City will continue on the path they’re going. These are the kinds of things I think (Levy) would be fighting for as governor.”
Steve Levy Won’t Seek Re-election (Updated)
Mar 24th - 4:26 pm
Democrat-turned-Republican Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy just announced he won’t be seeking a third term after all this fall, saying his failed 2010 gubernatorial bid will indeed be his political “swan song.”
Levy noted he has been in public service for “25 of my 51 years,” serving 15 years as a Suffolk County legislator, three as a state assemblyman and seven as county executive. For all but the last year of those, he was a conservative Democrat, but switched sides after being wooed into the governor’s race by state GOP Chairman Ed Cox.
After failing to get onto the ballot at the state GOP convention, Levy said he would have to think about whether to seek a third and final term this fall. (He’s limited by term limits to three four year terms).
“(M)any folks thought I was posturing,” Levy said in a prepared statement. “But, my indecision was indeed genuine.”
“Long hours, tough decisions, grueling debates, family sacrifices and a feeling that after a while you’ve accomplished what you set out to do on one level and look to new challenges.”
“That’s why last year I put at risk an otherwise safe re-election for County Executive in 2011 for a chance to run for governor. I yearned for the chance to change the state for the better as I believe I did in the county.”
“I said to friends that if I didn’t run I would regret it for the rest of my life. It would be my swan song. I knew if I wasn’t successful that I might not seek a third term as County Executive. While I didn’t move on to a higher office it’s time to decide whether I’ll seek a third term as County Executive.”
“After much discussion with my family and due to my desire to tackle other challenges I am announcing that I will not be seeking another term.”
Levy said his decision was “not made lightly,” citing concerns about the staffers he would leave behind and the big dis (my words) he’s delivering to the GOP, which welcomed him with open arms last year.
Levy Pans Mandate Relief Report
Mar 1st - 6:55 pm
Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy, the Democrat-turned-Republican who tried (unsuccessfully) to challenge then-AG Andrew Cuomo in the 2010 gubernatorial race, just issued a rather scathing statement in response to the Mandate Relief Redesign Report, calling it “78 pages of nothing.”
(Hmmm. Can anyone say 2014?)
Levy said the MRRT was a “missed opportunity” that failed to address many of the unfunded mandates that drive up property taxes at the local level – a major issue for the suburban Long Island lawmaker.
“Mandate relief has been a buzzword for close to 20 years, yet the report recommends further study in many areas, or offers platitudes such as ‘no more unfunded mandates’ and ‘more cost studies’,” said Levy.
“The ideas are out there, but what is lacking is the intestinal fortitude to take on The Unsustainable Quo.”
The county executive called on Cuomo to reject the report, but it’s a little late for that, since the governor had already accepted it (via press release).
Among the MRRT “punts” singled out by Levy:
- Failure to address the Triborough Amendment and the Taylor Law. “Without addressing these laws, labor negotiations with any public bargaining unit in the state will continue to be heavily stacked against the taxpayers,” the county executive said.
- The lack of a mandatory arbitration salary award cap. Levy would like to see a 2 percent cap, which is moedeled on an initiative by New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie.
- A new pension tier based on a defined contribution similar to a 401K plan. (The MRRT plan does call for creation of a sixth tier).
Lining Up Against Levy
Jan 10th - 3:39 pm
A reader forwarded an e-mail sent today by Rep. Tim Bishop seeking contributions to Babylon Town Supervisor Steve Bellone, who has been not-so-quietly raising campaign cash for a likely challenge to his former fellow Democrat, Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy.
“I support Steve Bellone as a leader who can unite Suffolk County residents,” Bishop wrote.
“He has a strong, proven record in Babylon as someone who can hold down taxes and spending while maintaining core services. In his last re-election, Supervisor Bellone received over 70 percent of the vote based on his record of competence, and being responsive to his constiuents.”
“Normally, I would not ask you for your help this early, however, a race of this magnitude will take an enormous commitment.The incumbent officeholder has amassed a warchest of more than $4 million, which is why it is vital that Supervisor Bellone receives your early support to get out his message.”
Bishop came close to losing his own seat last fall and required the assistance of any number of Democrats – including the party’s most powerful and popular surrogate, former President Bill Clinton. So, I guess now he’s returning the favor.
Levy Subpoenaed (Updated)
Jan 7th - 10:21 am
Things haven’t been going so well for Democrat-turned-Republican Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy, for whom problems have been mounting since he returned to his day job after failing to make the cut for a gubernatorial bid at the GOP convention this past summer.
Newsday reports that George Guldi, a former Suffolk County legislator facing a mortgage fraud trial, had Levy served with a subpoena to compel him to testify.
Levy spokesman Mark Smith said the county executive would move to quash the subpoena, adding: “This is not a court-ordered subpoena but was concocted by a desperate, pro se defendant seeking to create a Jerry Springer atmosphere to divert attention from his mortgage fraud indictment.”
Guldi is representing himself in the trial.
Newsday also reports that Ethan Ellner, a longtime friend and former housemate of Levy’s, is a co-defendant in the case, but has agreed to testify against Guldi. Levy’s relationship with Ellner, as you’ll recall, became an issue during the run-up to the GOP convention.
From Newsday:
Cox’s Defender
Nov 8th - 3:12 pm
While a number of disgusted Republicans are publicly venting their displeasure with state GOP Chairman Ed Cox and calling for him to resign, he still has some supporters, including Suffolk County GOP Chairman John Jay LaValle.
“First of all, he was elected to a two-year term, and he should serve the two-year term,” LaValle told me during an interview this weekend.
“You know, let’s face it Ed Cox was not, put it this way, Lazio was not his pick. He was right about the governor’s race, obviously.”
“There are a number of things that could have been done better. I understand people have been critical of his leadershi, but on a number of the races, he was in the right spot. People that are his critics were actually not helping the party.”
“I think it would have been a whole differnt world had some of these same individuals not blocked Steve Levy. We would have won Harry Wilson. We would have won Dan Donovan and possibly even taken out Kirsten Gillibrand.”
“Steve Levy would have changed the whole dynamic of this election. Without question in my mind. Even Eliot spitzer agrees with that.”
Levy For Donovan
Oct 4th - 7:56 am
Democrat-turned-Republican Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy is continuing to stick by his pledge to help candidates running on his newfound party’s line by endorsing Staten Island DA Dan Donovan for AG today.
The event will take place at 1 p.m. at the Smithtown Elks Lodge No. 2036. Suffolk County GOP Chairman John Jay LaValle will also be on hand, and the trio will be discussing Donovan’s Medicaid fraud recovery plan.
Donovan and Levy might have been ticket mates had things worked out differently. But, as you’ll recall, Levy dropped his gubernatorial bid early this summer after he was was out-maneuvered by former Rep. Rick Lazio and failed to get onto the ballot at the state GOP convention.
(It took him almost two whole months, but Levy finally did endorse Lazio prior to the Sept 14 primary, which Lazio lost to Carl Paladino; the county executive has also backed a few other GOP contenders, including NY-1 congressional hopeful Randy Altschuler).
Levy is up for re-election next fall for his third (and final, due to term limits) term in office. Apparently, he’s all-in with the local GOP. Leaders of his old party have vowed to try to take him out.
Now, of course, the Republicans and Conservatives have the unpredictable Paladino at the top of their ticket, and no small number of party leaders are worried the Buffalo businessman is one verbal gaffe away from relegating them all to political purgatory.
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