Bruce Blakeman Named Deputy Town Supervisor

On Sunday, Town of Hempstead Supervisor Laura Gillen appointed Town Councilman Bruce Blakeman as the town's new deputy supervisor.

Blakeman, a native of Valley Stream who now lives in Atlantic Beach, served on the Hempstead Town Board from 1993 to 1995, before serving as presiding officer of the Nassau County Legislature from 1996 through 1999. Blakeman returned to public service in 2015.

“Councilman Blakeman’s experience and skill in navigating local governments and serving his constituents is well-know, “ said Gillen. “I believe Councilman Blakeman shares my vision of working together in a bipartisan manner to deliver the best results for the taxpayers.”

Blakeman, a Republican who has served as a financial and legal advisor to President Ronald Reagan and President George W.Bush, stressed that good government transcends politics.

“Supervisor Gillen and I are sincerely interested in working together to bring greater and more comprehensive ethics reforms to the Town of Hempstead. I look forward to working with her on making the Town an even better place to live, work and raise a family.”

Blakeman is replacing Councilman Anthony D'Esposito, who served as Anthony Santino's deputy supervisor. Blakeman's appointment marks the first time in Hempstead’s history where a supervisor and deputy supervisor hail from different political parties.

"We're here to do right by the people," said Gillen. “A difference in party registration should not impede public service, but rather make it better.”

Photo: Mike Pont/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images