Meet The Candidate: Joe Scianablo For Town Of Hempstead Supervisor

LONG ISLAND, NY — Long Island residents will be heading to the polls on Tuesday, Nov. 3.

Ahead of election day, Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaign — and the results will be published as candidate profiles in the days leading up to the vote.

Joe Scianablo, 49, of Garden City is running on the Democratic line for the role of Town of Hempstead Supervisor against challenger and incumbent John R. Ferretti, Jr., running on the Republican line.

The Town of Hempstead covers parts of Nassau County, including Garden City, Freeport, Island Park, Mineola, New Hyde Park, Rockville Centre, Valley Stream, Cedarhurst, East Rockaway, and more.

Name:

Joe Scianablo

How old will you be as of Election Day?

49

Does your campaign have a website?

joefortownofhempstead.com

What city or town do you live in?

Garden City

What office are you seeking?

Town of Hempstead Supervisor.

If you are running in a district, specify the district.

Townwide, Town of Hempstead, Nassau County.

Party affiliation

Democratic Party.

Education

JD from Hofstra University

What is your occupation?

Retired NYPD officer and former prosecutor with the Queens County District Attorney’s Office.

Do you have a family? If so, please tell us about them.

I am a proud husband and father of two. My family is my foundation and a constant reminder of why strong, safe communities matter.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Have you ever held a public office, whether appointive or elective?

I have never held elected office. My career has been dedicated to public service as a United States Marine, NYPD officer, and prosecutor.

Why are you seeking this office?

I believe the Town of Hempstead needs a public servant, not a politician who expects to be served. I'm running to restore fiscal responsibility, improve essential services, and ensure no community is left behind.

The single most pressing issue facing constituents is:

Affordability. Residents are struggling with rising costs while questioning how their tax dollars are being spent. We need responsible budgeting, transparency, and services that deliver real value.

What needs to be done to address water quality issues on Long Island?

We must protect our sole-source aquifer by strengthening groundwater protections, addressing emerging contaminants like PFAS, improving stormwater management, and working with state and county partners to secure infrastructure funding.

What can be done to improve our infrastructure and highways?

We need proactive road maintenance instead of costly emergency repairs. I will prioritize pavement assessments, modern pothole prevention, improved drainage, and better snow removal technology to make our roads safer and save taxpayer dollars.

How would you help local business owners struggling with high rents, inflation, and labor shortages?

Small businesses are the backbone of our communities. I will streamline Town permitting, reduce unnecessary red tape, expand access to grants and resources, and partner with workforce development programs to help businesses find qualified employees.

How are federal issues impacting local government?

Federal funding decisions, immigration policies, tariffs, and economic uncertainty directly affect local budgets, businesses, and families. Local leaders must advocate for residents, pursue available funding, and prepare responsibly for changing conditions.

What is your stance on how ICE enforcement has impacted local communities?

Public safety and constitutional rights must go hand in hand. Immigration enforcement should be lawful, humane, and accountable. Practices that create fear, separate families, or undermine trust between residents and law enforcement make communities and local law enforcement less safe.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidate seeking this post?

I bring a lifetime of public service as a Marine combat veteran, retired NYPD officer, and former prosecutor. My opponent represents the political establishment. I believe Town government should serve residents first, not political insiders.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

Government transparency, responsible budgeting, public safety, road maintenance, flood mitigation, water quality, veterans' services, housing affordability, and ensuring every community receives its fair share of Town resources.

What accomplishments in your past demonstrate you can handle this job?

I served as a Marine in combat, protected New Yorkers as an NYPD officer, and pursued justice as a prosecutor. These roles required leadership, accountability, sound judgment, and the ability to make difficult decisions under pressure.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know?

I am not running to build a political career. I am running to restore public service to Town Hall. My commitment is simple: affordability, safety, and leaving no community behind.

What is the best advice anyone has ever given you and why?

"Lead by example." Leadership is not about a title or authority. It is about integrity, accountability, and being willing to do the work you expect of others. I have carried that principle throughout my life.