Long Island Officials Accused of Secret Appointment
A state judge has accused Long Island’s elected officials of secretly planning the appointment of a new superintendent without informing the public. This revelation comes from Nassau County Supreme Court Judge Gary Carleton, who found that the Hempstead City Commission breached the New York City Open Meetings Law by not providing 24 hours’ notice before appointing John Ferretti as supervisor.
In his ruling last Wednesday, Judge Carleton stated, “It’s clear that plans were made ahead of the August 5, 2025, town meeting for Mr. Clavin to resign and Mr. Ferretti to be appointed supervisor.”
During the court proceedings, video evidence showed Ferretti attending a local event mere hours after his appointment, wearing a shirt that identified him as the supervisor. His name was also seen painted on a mobile city stage, which the judge indicated suggested that the promotion was prearranged.
Furthermore, the judge mentioned that town officials had contacted one another confidentially to set up Ferretti’s appointment, undermining the intentions of the Open Meetings Act. This law aims to ensure that governmental discussions and decisions are conducted publicly rather than in private.
Despite these findings, the judge did not void Ferretti’s appointment, leaving the possibility open for future developments in the case. As of Friday, neither side was certain about the next steps.
This situation unfolded after an unusual hearing where none of the subpoenaed defendants, including Ferretti and other town officials like City Council members Laura Ryder and Thomas Muscarella, showed up to testify. The judge is even contemplating another hearing due to potential contempt charges against Hempstead leaders.
Ferretti, a Republican and former Nassau councilman, was appointed shortly after Don Clavin’s unexpected resignation on August 5. Town spokesman Brian Devine conveyed that the town is relieved the judge’s decision did not invalidate Ferretti’s appointment, though an appeal might be considered.
On the other hand, Democratic candidate Joe Cianablo, who is set to run against Ferretti, criticized the decision and labeled it a “wake-up call,” suggesting that his opponents treat local government like a “private club.” He expressed strong confidence that the judge would eventually overturn Ferretti’s appointment, stating, “John Ferretti and town hall intentionally and knowingly broke the law.”
