Hempstead Town Proposes New Bipartisan Transparency Law

Town of Hempstead Supervisor Laura Gillen and Councilwomem Erin King Sweeney and Dorothy Goosby announced on Monday that they had reached a bipartisan agreement to publish more of the town's documents and information online in the sake of transparency.

The proposal, which already has the support of the Town Board, would require the town to post any contract over $10,000 online, along with the full disclosure of all financial, forensic and performance audits relating to the town’s departments, agencies and operations.

It would also mandate that all preliminary and final budget materials are posted online, job specifications and documents relating to the Highway Capital Plan and all of the town's roadway rating surveys.

"Openness and transparency were hallmarks of my campaign, which are not only key to rebuilding trust in Town Hall, but vital for the functioning of basic democracy,” said Gillen. “We are proud to be working together on this initiative and look forward to implementing what will lead to greater civic engagement and public participation in our town."

A link to the New York State Board of Elections campaign finance disclosure web page will also be listed, so that residents have easier access to public information relating to the current and past political campaign contributions to candidates and committees.

“I am proud to have worked for more than 18 months to bring forth transparency legislation that will provide an extra layer of assurance for Hempstead Town residents,” King Sweeney said. “This is a common sense idea that deserves unanimous support. We must ensure that everything the Town of Hempstead is doing is clear for all to see. Our residents deserve nothing less.”

The Town Board will vote on Tuesday, May 22 on whether or not to hold a public hearing on the proposition. If that passes, the hearing will be held on June 5. The public is welcome to come and voice their opinion on the matter.

Photo: Town of Hempstead