Hempstead Town Board reappoints John R. Ferretti amid heated public comments and pending lawsuit

The Hempstead Town Board voted to adopt a resolution reappointing John R. Ferretti as town supervisor at its Sept. 16, 2025 meeting at Hempstead Town Hall, despite sustained public opposition and a pending lawsuit challenging the August appointment.

Councilwoman Miller told the board she had asked that the item be placed first on the agenda and urged members to approve it so “John Ferretti can continue the good work he is doing for our town,” (Councilwoman Miller). The board carried the motion after a roll-call vote; Deputy Supervisor Dorothy Goosby did not cast a vote.

The reappointment drew prolonged public comment. Several speakers called the appointment improper and urged the board to let voters decide in November. Dan Oppenheimer told the board, “If you vote to reappoint today, it is an admission that the first appointment was improper and invalid. You will still face a legal challenge from marine combat veteran, former NYPD officer and prosecutor Joe Cienablo.” Pearl Jacobs said the reappointment “is shameful” and accused the board of “circumventing democracy” and of raising taxes while “redlining communities of color.” Supporters of the resolution also spoke: William Dougherty asked the board to “confirm your resolution dated August 5 and adopt its contents permanently,” and multiple speakers urged the board to avoid further litigation and save taxpayer dollars.

Town legal counsel and others at the meeting also addressed procedural questions about the August appointment. Steven Lester, legal counsel to the town board minority, read the clerk’s minutes for Aug. 5 aloud and noted language that the clerk recorded as: “deputy supervisor Coosby declined to vote.” The meeting record shows Deputy Supervisor Dorothy Goosby had been asked earlier in the meeting to preside and the supervisor recused himself from debate and voting on item 1.

On the motion to adopt the reappointment resolution (item 1), the board proceeded to a roll-call vote. Members recorded as voting in the affirmative included Councilman Dunne, Councilman Muscarella, Councilwoman Ryder and Councilman Schneider. Deputy Supervisor Dorothy Goosby indicated she was not voting. The motion carried and the resolution was adopted; the precise legal effect remains subject to the pending litigation mentioned at the meeting.

Why it matters: Speakers on both sides framed the vote as about the rule of law and about taxpayer costs. Supporters said confirming Ferretti would avoid further expense and provide continuity of governance; opponents called the August appointment improper, said a special or general election should decide the supervisor’s office and announced ongoing legal challenges.

Meeting context and next steps: The board’s action did not resolve the lawsuit referenced repeatedly in public comment. Multiple speakers and at least one assemblyman at the meeting said they were pursuing statutory change to require special elections in some vacancy circumstances. The transcript shows continued public scrutiny and the possibility of further legal or legislative action.

Ending: The board adopted the resolution to reappoint John R. Ferretti. Members and members of the public said they expect the dispute to continue through the courts or the ballot box.