When times get tough jobs get cut even if you’re Santa.
Yes, Santa Claus has been let go of his holiday duties in Suffolk County, New York. Not the real Santa Claus but 83-year old David McKell who has spent the last 10-years playing the part. The World War 2 veteran was told Suffolk County couldn’t afford the $660 it costs to have him greet children on Long Island.
Steve Levy, the Suffolk County Executive explains he can’t balance his $2.7 billion budget and had no choice but to make the cut. “How do you justify that expenditure when a health centre is losing money?”
It’s a tough decision to make, especially when you get called a Grinch by your opponents.
“Do we really have to hold Santa Claus hostage to balance the budget?” said Bill Lindsay, a Democrat and the presiding officer of the county legislature.
In the true spirit of Christmas dozens of people came forward offering to pay and even Levy said he’d play the part for a shift or two.
However, it is Steve Bellone who is running to succeed Levy when his term is up, who finally rescued Santa. He is paying his full fee which covers gas and other expenses.
Thankfully, Long Island kids will get their ho-ho-ho. [ Source | Image]
