John Ferretti is the incumbent Hempstead Town supervisor, but even that is an issue in this year's race for the top spot in America's largest township.

As News 12 first reported in August, then Nassau Legislator John Ferretti (R-Levittown) was appointed by the Hempstead Town board to replace Don Clavin, who resigned less than an hour before Ferretti was sworn in.

Ferretti's opponent, Joe Scianablo (D-Garden City), cried foul immediately.

He spoke at Town Hall, held press conferences and rallies and successfully filed a lawsuit in which a judge found the GOP-controlled Hempstead Town board violated opening meetings law with its short notice appointment.

"I'm just highlighting the fact that we do have leadership that's failing the town of Hempstead," Scianablo said in an interview with News 12. "We're going to launch an audit on day one, operationally and financially."

Ferretti says political appointments are commonplace across Long Island and criticized Scianablo for filing the lawsuit.

"That's something my opponent focuses on because he's got no record to run on," Ferretti told News 12.

Scianablo, a Marine combat veteran, retired NYPD officer and former prosecutor in the Queens District Attorney's Office, also criticized Ferretti's recent tax cut proposal.

The supervisor proposed it earlier this month, one year after the GOP-controlled town board raised taxes by more than 12%.

"This budget is a shell game built on shifting sands and the practices of the past are being continued," Scianablo said. "They're dipping into our reserve fund over $50 million reducing $5 million out of a general fund. Those are just two funds out of many."

But in a separate interview with News 12, Ferretti said he is looking at the town's budget with fresh eyes.

Ferretti was not working in Hempstead government when town lawmakers raised taxes in 2024.

"Day 50 as supervisor, I proposed my tax cut budget for the town of Hempstead, which will take effect Jan. 1, 2026," Ferretti said. "I made promises. I delivered on them, and the residents are going to recognize it in their wallet come 2026."

Republicans generally win races for Hempstead Town supervisor. Only one Democrat has served as Hempstead Town supervisor in the last 120 years.

That winner was Laura Gillen in 2017. She was defeated just two years later but now serves as a member of Congress.