A Republican legislator claimed Wednesday Suffolk children are suffering because the Democratic county executive purposely and unfairly vetoed programs in their districts.

Legislator Cameron Alden (R-Islip) believes Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy (D-Suffolk) is punishing him for speaking out against the 2007 budget. Alden points to funding cuts for the little league and soccer programs in East Islip. He says Levy vetoed $4,000 for the soccer club and $2,500 for the little league, even though the allotments paled in comparison to the $12,500 that was allowed to stay in the budget for Half Hollow Hills Little League.

Although Alden says Levy selectively vetoed his programs, Levy insists the Legislature established the list of items for veto consideration. The political finger pointing continues as Democratic legislators claim they didn't submit a list of potential vetoes.