Thursday, October 22, 2026
Town of Hempstead Supervisor John Ferretti is seeking re-election, wrapping up a little over a year in office, citing tax cuts, infrastructure improvements, public safety and preserving local control as priorities.
Ferretti, 43, a lifelong Levittown resident and attorney, was appointed to the supervisor position in August 2025, following the resignation of his predecessor, Don Clavin. Previously, he served four terms in the Nassau County Legislature. He said his county experience prepared him to oversee the nation’s largest township.
One of his first priorities was the town’s 2026 budget, which included an 18 percent reduction in the general fund tax levy. The Town Board adopted the budget in October 2025.
Ferretti recently unveiled his proposed 2027 budget, which would maintain the $5 million reduction and keep the tax levy essentially flat. The proposed budget totals $591.7 million.
“By freezing the budget for 2027, freezing my tax cut of last year in place, we’re giving residents a total of $10 million — $5 million tax cut last year, holding that over for 2027,” he told Herald reporters at a roundtable interview.
He said the town faces financial challenges from rising costs and what he described as unfunded state mandates, including increased pension and health insurance expenses. “While we project conservatively, there are challenges that we face going forward, but we continue to work to give residents more while taking less,” Ferretti said, pointing to workforce reductions, retirement incentives and efforts to generate revenue.
Infrastructure is another priority. As of Oct. 15, Hempstead has repaved 115 of its 1,200 miles of roadway — which sets an annual record, according to Ferretti.
Ferretti also highlighted improvements to parks, pools and recreational facilities, as well as efforts to secure state and federal grants to fund projects.
The South Shore’s vulnerability to storms and flooding remains a concern. Ferretti said the town prepares by “cleaning storm drains, reinforcing dunes and coordinating with local village officials, regardless of party, during major weather events.”
Housing and zoning are also significant issues. Ferretti opposed the proposed state’s REVIVE Act, arguing it would limit local control over zoning and development by allowing higher-density housing while overriding local zoning authority.
He said he supports development that incorporates community input but opposes what he views as a one-size-fits-all approach.
“I’m not opposed unilaterally to any development,” he said. “But in the Town of Hempstead, residents and the people they elect need to have a say.”
Looking ahead, Ferretti said affordability is the concern he hears most often. His goals for another term include keeping the town financially accessible, maintaining public safety and preserving its suburban character.
“I want people to be able to say that they can continue to live here and that they believe that down the road their children and grandchildren will be able to stay here,” Ferretti said. “Nassau County will not be the sixth borough of New York City.”
He also emphasized cooperation with Nassau County and local villages on public safety, noting that the town does not operate its own police department.
“Public safety sees no party,” Ferretti said. “The number one priority of any elected official is keeping their residents safe.
As he campaigns for another term, Ferretti said he will continue to emphasize lower taxes, maintained services, infrastructure investment and local control.
