As it turns out, County Executive Steve Levy chose to leave his banner home Sunday when he marched in his hometown 18th annual Blue Point St. Patrick’s Day parade. Still, the event’s founder and organizer, Chris Cavanaugh, said beforehand it would have been welcome.
“He can not only bring his banner, I’ll help carry it for him,” Cavanaugh had said last week. East Islip’s St. Patrick’s Day parade organizers were upset when Levy toted a banner with his name and title at their event two weeks ago since political displays are banned. Levy aides insisted the banner was non-political – but acknowledged its estimated $100 cost came out of campaign funds.
Levy resides in Bayport, the hamlet adjoining Blue Point where the parade actually begins and where 75 groups including 11 pipe bands gathered. Grand marshal was William Lindsay (D-Holbrook), the county legislature’s presiding officer.
Rick Brand