Newly appointed Hempstead Town Supervisor John Ferretti is promising residents a tax cut effective next year.

"I'm assuming office right now, indicating that I don't want to cut taxes, I will cut taxes for 2026," Ferretti said.

In his first one-on-one, sit-down interview since being sworn in to lead the largest township in the United States, Ferretti (R-Levittown) outlined his plans to make Hempstead more affordable, while also reacting to criticism of his appointment, just three months before Election Day.

"This is no political advantage for me. This is continuity in government. That's what this is, "Ferretti said.

"I think I do have an advantage because I'm going to do a good job. If I didn't do a good job, I think it's a disadvantage."

Ferretti was quickly sworn into office on Tuesday after being appointed by the Republican-controlled town board. The appointment was made about 30 minutes after then-Supervisor Don Clavin abruptly announced his resignation.

Earlier this year, Clavin announced he would not seek reelection, and instead would run for a judgeship. Republicans soon after announced that the Nassau County Legislator Ferretti was their candidate for supervisor.

Democrats are backing former prosecutor and NYPD officer and U..S Marine combat veteran Joe Scianablo (D-Garden City).

In a statement released after Ferretti's appointment, Scianablo blasted the move as a "backroom power grab."

“John Ferretti was anointed to the Supervisor seat without a single vote being cast. They are using taxpayer resources to rig this election before it even begins. This appointment is an insult to every voter in Hempstead. Ferretti will now enjoy the perks of office, cars, gas, glossy mailers, and free publicity, all paid for by taxpayers," Scianablo said.

Ferretti declined to say how large of a tax cut he would propose. Last year, the Republican-controlled Hempstead Town Board raised taxes by more than 12%.

"We're going to look very hard at the budget and we're going to make decisions. It's only been about 48 hours for me, but we will return the money to the taxpayers," Ferretti said.