Thursday, October 1, 2026
The Hempstead Town Board reconfirmed the appointment of interim Supervisor John Ferretti during its Sept. 16 meeting, a move officials said was necessary to protect taxpayers from a lawsuit challenging Ferretti’s initial appointment last month.
Ferretti was first appointed on Aug. 5, the same day then Supervisor Don Clavin resigned. Town officials said the reappointment was meant to shield taxpayers from what they called a “frivolous and politically motivated” lawsuit filed last month in Nassau County Supreme Court by Democratic supervisor candidate Joseph Scianablo.
The lawsuit claims Republican officials violated the state’s Public Officers Law, which requires 24 hours’ public notice for resolutions scheduled at meetings. Scianablo, a Garden City resident, argues the appointment was prearranged, pointing to Ferretti’s acknowledgment that his appointment and Clavin’s resignation were planned days earlier.
The agenda for the Aug. 5 meeting did not list the resignation or appointment, but it did reallocate Clavin’s salary to cover Ferretti’s new role, according to Scianablo.
Brian Devine, the town’s director of communications, said Ferretti’s original appointment was “proper and lawful,” while describing Scianablo’s lawsuit as “meritless.”
“By confirming the appointment of Supervisor Ferretti and reaffirming all resolutions from Aug. 5, the Town Board has rendered this cynical lawsuit moot and protected residents from unnecessary costs,” Devine stated in a news release.
Before the vote, Ferretti recused himself while the board discussed the resolution. Councilwoman Laura Ryder said the reappointment was not necessary, maintaining that the Aug. 5 meeting had followed the law, but supported it to put an end to what she called a “frivolous lawsuit.”
“We will not let our residents suffer financially to perpetuate someone's political agenda,” Ryder said. “That's why I support taking this action openly and transparently to make clear that our supervisor has been properly appointed.”
During the public comment period, several residents weighed in on the resolution. Some supported Ferretti, saying he had earned the position, while others argued the appointment was improper and invalid.
Among the speakers was Scianablo, who called the Aug. 5 appointment a “backroom deal” claiming the resolution to reappoint Ferretti was “an unmistakable admission” that the board had broken the law.
“The fact that we're standing here today for a revote proves it,” Scianablo said. “Ferretti and every council member who voted for this sham appointment must be held accountable.”
Scianablo is a Marine veteran and former New York City police officer. The Nassau County Democratic Party says he brings leadership, integrity and compassion to the race.
Devine said Ferretti, of Levittown, has been leading “with integrity and commitment” to Hempstead residents. Ferretti previously represented Levittown, Bethpage, North Massapequa, and parts of Farmingdale as a Nassau County legislator.
“The people of Hempstead deserve government that works for them—not baseless distractions or political games at their expense,” Devine said. “The Board’s decisive action today ensures that we can continue to move forward without interference from frivolous litigation.”
