Farmingville, NY

Hiring site [for illegals] vetoed

Saying he couldn't "look the other way" on what he termed as illegal hiring practices, Suffolk Co.Executive Robert Gaffney yesterday vetoed a contentious proposal to create a hiring site for day laborers in Farmingville. The bill, approved by the legislature 12- 2 on March 20, would set aside $80K in taxpayer funds for Catholic Charities to establish a community support center and hiring site. "We would be giving money to an organization whose intent it is to create a facility in which breaking of federal immigration laws and New York State labor laws will be encouraged and condoned and facilitated," Gaffney said in a telephone interview yesterday. "We can't do that." But Presiding Officer Paul Tonna and bill sponsor Legis. Brian Foley yesterday said they would push to maintain the dozen votes needed to override the veto. [Also see Sachem Quality of Life site]