Town attorney for Deputy Supervisor says town code does not elevate deputy to supervisor; residents press concerns about August appointment

Town of Hempstead officials and residents debated the legal and political fallout from the Aug. 5 resignation of former Supervisor Don Clavin and the subsequent appointment of John Ferretti as supervisor.

Steven Lester, legal counsel for Deputy Supervisor Dorothy Goosby, read town code language and legal comparisons to explain why Goosby did not automatically assume the office of supervisor. Lester said, quoting the town code, “in case the office becomes the office of supervisor becomes vacant or in case the supervisor shall be absent or unable to act, the deputy supervisor in office at that time shall assume all duties and obligations of the supervisor under the town code and the laws and the town law of the state of New York and shall continue in such capacity until a new supervisor shall assume…