Local Government

Town of Hempstead appoints new council members

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The Hempstead Town Board appointed Bruce Blakeman and Erin King-Sweeney to fill vacancies in the 3rd and 5h Councilmatic Districts, respectively, left open by former Councilman James Darcy and Councilwoman Angie Cullin on Tuesday, Jan 13.

Despite objections by Councilwoman Dorothy Goosby, the resolutions passed four in favor, with her one dissenting vote against the appointments. “I object not to the individuals but the process without any input from the citizens of these districts,” Goosby said at the meeting.

“Our only other option would be to leave the positions vacant,” Councilman Anthony Santino replied, adding that state law prohibits towns from holding special elections, cited as Section 64 of Town Law. “This leaves us with no alternative other than to leave the seats vacant which denies representative to 33 percent of the town.”

Town of Hempstead Supervisor Kate Murray urged residents to “contact state representatives on this matter.”

Blakeman will assume Town Board seat formerly held by Darcy, who has been appointed to the bench in Nassau County’s District court.

King-Sweeney, daughter of Congressman Peter King, will be replacing Cullin, who has retired form her post after serving as an elected official for 28 years.