The election in the largest town in the U.S., Hempstead, has taken a bizarre turn, involving former NYPD officers, discussions around bestiality, and a candidate’s past social media activity.
The Democratic candidate, Joseph Cianabro, recently faced backlash after old posts resurfaced where he appeared to brag about watching “animal porn.” He made this claim on Facebook back in December 2008, stating, “I’m the only one watching animal porn.”
Cianabro argues that the post was a misguided joke made by his brother, but his opponent, interim Republican director John Ferretti, has labeled these antics as unacceptable. He emphasized that such behavior raises serious concerns regarding Cianabro’s judgment, noting, “This is no joke. This is not a youthful mistake. This is animal abuse and exploitation.”
Ferretti pointed out that the duties of the Hempstead town supervisors include overseeing the animal shelter, which is meant to protect and care for cats and dogs. He expressed disgust at the idea that someone who joked about bestiality could hold a position meant to safeguard animals.
Cianabro, who is a Marine Corps veteran and a former NYPD officer himself, has admitted that the post was indeed his, but claims it stemmed from a prank. He referred to his brother as “dopy,” insisting that his brother took his computer and made the post.
In response to the allegations, Cianabro described Ferretti’s efforts as a “smear,” stressing, “My records speak for themselves,” as he tried to contain the damage to his campaign.
His brother Jason provided a statement, saying the 2008 post was a childish joke and reflected on the relief their family felt when Cianabro returned from service in Iraq. He characterized the incident as a misguided attempt at humor, rather than a reflection of who Cianabro is today.
Ferretti has a strong record in animal rights legislation, having championed laws to prevent animal cruelty in Nassau County, including stricter penalties for animal abuse and regulations regarding pet ownership for offenders.
He stated, “This election is about who we can trust to do the right thing, and obviously Joe Cianabro is not that person.”
The race has already been marked by controversy. Ferretti stepped in to replace Don Clayvin, a GOP supervisor who resigned unexpectedly. With tensions running high, Cianabro and fellow Democrats have claimed that Ferretti is misusing his incumbent status as the election approaches.
