Gillen Seeks To Implement Special Elections In Hempstead Town

Hempstead Town Supervisor Laura Gillen put forward new legislation on Tuesday that would eliminate the Town Board's practice of fill vacant seats with nominations and instead turn that power over to the residents in the form of special elections.

Gillen's law would apply to every elected office in the town, including the supervisor, Town Board, town clerk and receiver of taxes.

Appointing people to fill vacant seats on the Board of Trustees has long been the practice in the Town of Hempstead. According to Gillen, five of the seven current board members were appointed to their seats before winning them in elections later on.

“It’s disgraceful that whenever there is a vacancy in the town, voters are robbed of an opportunity to make their voices heard,” Gillen said. “It’s a protection program for party politicians, where candidates are unfairly given the power of incumbency through selection, when it should be by an election.”

Gillen's proposed law says that if any vacancy occurs, the town board must hold a special election between 60 and 90 days from when the seat became vacant. In addition, if the seat becomes vacant within 90 days of a general election, but not less than 60, the office must remain vacant until the general election.

A hearing on the proposed law is being scheduled for May 22 for residents to express their opinion.

Photo: Town of Hempstead