Bob Young, of Merrick, the first deputy leader of the Town of Hempstead Democratic Committee, said that more than a dozen people spoke out against Ahmad’s appointment at Tuesday’s board meeting, including Pat Friedman, who is seeking the Conservative nomination for the clerk’s position.

Young, who was among those who spoke, said Ahmad’s appointment would unfairly allow her to campaign as the incumbent two months before the election, which he said suggests that the board’s decision was politically motivated.

“This means Mrs. Ahmad can campaign on the taxpayer dime, as she would be featured in town mailings and photos, and be given opportunities to speak at non-campaign stops such as local fairs,” Young said. “Incumbents always have a tremendous advantage in any election. That’s why this was done.”

Deery said the town board had no response to what he described as baseless criticisms of Ahmad’s appointment.