Town of Hempstead board appoints John F. Ferretti to fill supervisor vacancy amid public outcry

The Town of Hempstead board voted to appoint John F. Ferretti to fill the vacant office of town supervisor after Don Clavin announced he was stepping down. The appointment was made by motion and vote during a board meeting; Ferretti was sworn in during the session.

The move drew immediate and sustained criticism from residents who said the board should have followed the town code’s succession practice and allowed the sitting deputy supervisor to assume the role. Dozens of residents addressed the board during an extended public-comment period, raising procedural, ethical and campaign-fairness concerns and urging the board to hold a special election instead of making an appointment.

Why it matters: Critics said the appointment creates an incumbent advantage ahead of the November election by permitting the town to distribute promotional material that they say favors the new supervisor. Supporters of a quick appointment said the board acted to maintain continuity in town government. The public record shows strong disagreement over whether the board followed local code and whether use of town mailings and communications creates an uneven playing field for challengers.

Outgoing Supervisor Don Clavin announced his resignation during the meeting, telling the board it had been “an honor and a privilege” to…