Thursday, July 17, 2025
What’s happening:
Hempstead Town Supervisor Democratic candidate Joe Scianablo lead a news conference and rally on June 19 outside Hempstead Town Hall to announce a proposed ethics reform bill aimed at banning the practice of appointing town supervisors without a public election.
Who’s proposing it:
Scianablo is leading the charge. He is joined by Hempstead residents and community advocates who are calling for greater transparency and democratic accountability in town governance.
Why It Matters:
Scianablo is responding to a long-standing pattern in the Town of Hempstead where six out of the last 10 supervisors, according to the Democrats, were appointed rather than elected, often behind closed doors. Current Supervisor Donald Clavin decided not to seek re-election. And it was unveiled earlier this year Republican County Legislator John Ferritti will be running for the position.
Democrats are concerned about a possible appointment before the election, which they think is bypassing voters in the upcoming election.
The proposed bill:
If elected, Scianablo’s ethics bill would prohibit midterm appointments to the town supervisor position and require a special election instead, ensuring that residents—not political insiders—choose who leads the town.
Bottom line:
Scianablo’s proposal is a direct challenge to what he calls “backroom appointments” that undermine democracy and perpetuate one-party control in the Town of Hempstead.
Town reaction:
“It’s incredibly disrespectful to be holding a partisan political press conference on a holiday like Juneteenth,” Brian Devine, the town’s spokesman wrote in an email. “Joe Scianablo owes the residents of the Town of Hempstead an apology for this disgraceful slap in the face. Shame on you Joe.”
