On Aug. 5, Nassau County Republicans secured control of the Town of Hempstead supervisor’s office for the rest of this year without any election, or primary, or prior public comment.

That day, Donald Clavin Jr., in his third term as supervisor, announced his resignation. Clavin was already assured of being elected Nov. 4 to a long-sought judgeship, by bipartisan agreement.

Minutes later, the Republican-run town council approved the appointment of Nassau Legis. John R. Ferretti Jr. — the choice of Nassau GOP chairman Joe Cairo — to finish Clavin’s term.

The quick switch was enabled by a 5-1 Republican majority of the board. Now Ferretti, 42, of Levittown, appears on the ballot with an incumbent’s advantage against first-time Democratic candidate Joe Scianablo , 48, of Garden City.

On

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