A quarter of a century after graduating from Division Avenue High School in Levittown, John Ferretti was sworn in as Town of Hempstead supervisor last week.
Councilwoman Dorothy Goosby, who serves as deputy supervisor; Councilman Dennis Dunne Sr.; Councilwoman Laura Ryder and Town Clerk Kate Murray were all inducted to another term.
Former Councilman Gary Hudes served as the evening’s emcee on Jan. 7. Nassau County Legislator Kayla Knight sang the national anthem, and County Clerk Maureen O’Connell led the Pledge of Allegiance.
“Being with this group is not just being with my colleagues,” County Executive Bruce Blakeman said. “These are my friends — they are people I’ve had the opportunity and privilege of serving with.”
Joe Cairo, chairman of the Nassau County Republican Committee, swore Murray using on a 350-year old Bible. “Years from now, residents of the Town of Hempstead will remember the one name that stands out,” Cairo said. “We’ll always have Kate Murray.”
Murray began her 13th term in the town government. “As a lifelong resident of the town,” she said, “I have a deep sense of pride in giving back to the community in any way that I can.”
Goosby was sworn in by Frederick Brewington, a civil rights attorney, using a Bible wrapped in kente cloth the cloth of royalty in African tradition.
“She has continued to be a stalwart in regards to serving the people of the Town of Hempstead from stem to stern,” Brewington said. “She continues to be a beacon for many of us, and as a result of that, this past election she pulled more than 85 percent of the votes.”
Goosby has been a councilwoman for 20 years, advocating for communities of color. “To be serving the people of the Town of Hempstead has been one of the most generous parts of my life,” she said. “I remain eternally grateful fro the trust you have placed in me over the years.”
County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder swore in both Dunne and Laura Ryder, his sister-in-law. Dunne, also a Levittown native and a Division Avenue graduate, has served on the Town Board since 2017.
“Growing up in Levittown, America’s first suburb, I believe I have a unique perspective and appreciation of the American dream,” Dunne said. “I have lived the American dream here in the Town of Hempstead, and I want to ensure that my children and future generations are able to achieve those same goals.”
Ryder, who previously served as a Lynbrook village trustee, began her second term as a councilwoman. “Over the past three years, this role has brought me an incredible sense of purpose, personal fulfillment and one of the greatest honors of my life,” she said.
Ferretti, who was appointed interim supervisor following Don Clavin’s resignation last Aug. 5, was sworn in as supervisor by Cairo. “I’m profoundly honored by the trust the residents of the Town of Hempstead have in me,” Ferretti said. “I stand before you today with humility, gratitude and a deep sense of responsibility. Today marks the beginning of a new chapter, not just for me but for the entire town.”
