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Babylon Supervisor makes run for county exec official

Now it’s official.

Babylon Supervisor Steve Bellone, who has been considered the front runner for the Democratic Party’s nomination for county executive, officially announced his candidacy Wednesday morning at North Babylon High School.

Mr. Bellone, who has served as Babylon’s supervisor since 2002, undertook a “listening tour” about six weeks ago, saying he wanted to hear people’s concerns before embarking on a county executive run. One of his first stops was Riverhead Free Library, where he discussed the homeless sex offender problem, although most people in attendance were politicians or reporters.

“At every point of my life, I have first listened before stepping forward to lead,” Mr. Bellone said Wednesday.

Incumbent County Executive Steve Levy of Sayville was elected as a Democrat eight years ago and re-elected four years ago with both Democratic and Republican backing. Last year, he changed his registration to Republican while unsuccessfully trying to mount a run for governor. Last month, in the wake of an investigation into his campaign finances, Mr. Levy announced he would not seek re-election.

The Republicans, meanwhile, have screened several candidates for the county executive post, including county Treasurer Angie Carpenter, state Assemblyman Michael Fitzpatrick of St. James and state Senator John Flanagan of East Northport.

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