Newsday.com - Rick Brand

Dumas returning as spokesman for Steve Levy

Sat, 18 Jul 2009 22:33:00 -0400

When Edward Dumas left as top spokesman for Steve Levy nearly two years ago, the Suffolk County executive made a last-ditch and unsuccessful effort to keep him by offering Dumas the job as his chief deputy.

Brand: Village mayor steps up to town politics

Sat, 11 Jul 2009 22:13:00 -0400

When Mayor Paul Pontieri first rolled out final plans for a seven-story hotel and apartment complex in the heart of downtown Patchogue a year ago, one top planner said he was amazed at the reaction to what he'd expected would be a tough sell.

Brand: Union turf war looms in Suffolk

Sat, 4 Jul 2009 22:13:00 -0400

Union organizer Tim Dubnau faced a standing-room crowd of 250 mostly angry Suffolk County workers in a banquet room of the Ronkonkoma Holiday Inn last week. And he couldn't have been happier.

Nassau Conservatives turn against Suozzi

Sat, 27 Jun 2009 21:53:00 -0400

Bishop William Murphy is not the only one sore with Nassau County Executive Thomas Suozzi's decision to embrace legalizing gay marriage. So are some of Nassau's leading Conservatives, much to the chagrin of minor party leader Roger Bogsted.

Suffolk police commissioner caught in Levy, unions war

Sat, 20 Jun 2009 21:53:00 -0400

When Police Commissioner Richard Dormer was under fire before a legislative committee last week, Legis. DuWayne Gregory (D-Amityville), a frequent critic, almost began expressing sympathy for Suffolk's top cop, then stopped short.

Rick Brand: Party pick or boss for Brookhaven supervisor?

Sat, 13 Jun 2009 21:53:00 -0400

Republican Brookhaven town board member Kathleen Walsh last week stood directly behind Martin Haley as he accepted the GOP nomination for town supervisor. Minutes later, she posed for pictures with Haley along with the rest of the town GOP ticket.

Ex-deputy may replace Suffolk social services chief

Sat, 6 Jun 2009 22:23:00 -0400

Just months after the legislature's former Presiding Officer Gregory Blass was named chief deputy of Suffolk Social Services in 2007, his new boss, Janet DeMarzo, moved him out to a building a mile away from the agency headquarters.

3 Long Islanders may be eyeing run for governor

Sat, 30 May 2009 21:33:00 -0400

After nearly a decade's absence, former Rep. Rick Lazio has been making rounds at fundraisers in Babylon and Islip in recent weeks. About the same time, Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy was dining at Oheka Castle and chewing over prospects for a statewide political future.

Among Suffolk Democrats, tide shifts on gay marriage

Sat, 23 May 2009 21:43:00 -0400

Organizers called it "a friendly demonstration."

Will Suffolk residents be open to diverting taxes?

Sat, 16 May 2009 21:43:00 -0400

Lately, veteran Suffolk Legis. Cameron Alden said he has no trouble making his fellow lawmakers cringe during debate.