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North Hempstead board debates 60‑day blackout on taxpayer-funded mailers; proposal fails to gain majority
Summary
Councilwoman Mary Anne Del Monte proposed a local law to bar taxpayer-funded mass mailings that could advantage candidates within 60 days of an election. Supporters called it good-government reform; opponents said it would unduly restrict constituent outreach. The measure failed to pass after a lengthy public hearing and debate.
Councilwoman Mary Anne Del Monte proposed a local law to amend chapter 24 of the Town Code to prohibit taxpayer-funded mailings that could give an advantage to an individual seeking public office during the 60 days before an election.
Del Monte said the rule would mirror measures in state and county law and would protect taxpayer dollars and fairness, pointing to a recent surge of government mailers close to the 2025 election. “Taxpayer dollars should not be used for name recognition in a flyer,” Del Monte told the board during the public hearing.
Supporters — including residents, civic associations and former candidates — said the timing of multiple mailings during the campaign raised legitimate questions about fairness. Julie Appel, who spoke in favor, said restricting such mailings would “protect taxpayer dollars, hold elected officials to high standards of integrity and promote trust.” Umberto McNarty, the town communications director, told the board that some mailers were timed months earlier and that the office attempted to schedule outreach to meet residents’ needs.
Town Attorney Rich Niccolo cautioned about potential First Amendment issues and noted the proposed law would allow the board to discipline members, which could raise legal concerns. Niccolo said the county’s approach differed from the proposed town law and that this draft went “well beyond” the county model.
Opponents, including some council members and recent candidates, urged caution. They said the law risked silencing timely, nonpolitical notices such as tax seminars or passport clinics used by residents who rely on mailed information. Council members debating the measure asked for clearer carve-outs for informational notices, reminders and direct communications to fewer than 250 residents.
After more than three hours of public comment and council debate, the board took a vote and the measure did not secure adoption. Board members who opposed the law cited concerns about enforcement, unintended limits on resident communications and the need to protect programs that many seniors and residents rely upon for information. Councilwoman Del Monte said she would return with revisions.
The board continued with other business; Del Monte said she would refile the proposal and requested additional guidance on drafting exceptions and clearer notice language.
