The Hempstead Town Board confirmed the appointment of Republican John Ferreti as town supervisor – effectively ending a lawsuit brought by Democrats over his controversial appointment.

“Today’s action by the Board reaffirms the clear, lawful, and indisputable actions of the Board,” a statement from the town said in part.

Ferretti was abruptly sworn in last month, minutes after former Supervisor Don Clavin stepped down.

Democrats filed a lawsuit arguing the maneuver skirted the state’s Open Meetings Law.

In a statement, a town spokesperson insists that Ferretti’s appointment was entirely legal and says his reappointment prevents the lawsuit from moving forward and protects the taxpayers.

A community advocacy group is also calling on Ferretti to resign. They claim he allowed Clavin to work a “no show” job as a community service representative, earning $170,000 in a Roosevelt office that has been closed since 2020.

They are now calling on the state attorney general to investigate.