John Riordan Appointed Town Supervisor

The North Hempstead town board voted 4-2 on Tuesday to appoint John B. Riordan town supervisor — filling the vacancy left by Jon Kaiman's recent resignation.

Two Republican town board members were outnumbered by four Democrats who pushed the appointment through along party lines at Town Hall in Manhasset.

Riordan, the former town attorney, will serve for the remainder of the year until a supervisor is chosen in the race between Republican Councilwoman Dina DeGiorgio of Port Washington and Nassau Legis. Judi Bosworth, (D-Great Neck).

All six town board members agreed that Riordan has served the Town of North Hempstead well as town attorney, but differed in their opinions regarding his appointment to supervisor.

Democrats argued for the need of a full-time town supervisor with sensitive budget discussions on the horizon.

"Supervisor is a position on its own that takes a seven-day-a-week job for someone to do," said Councilman Thomas Dwyer. 

With the appointment of Riordan to a full-time post, Acting Supervisor Chirstopher Senior will resume his role as deputy supervisor. 

"I think we need to keep Chris in the position he is doing," said Dwyer.

As supervisor, Riordan will cast town board votes and be included on budget discussions — raising concern among Republicans.

Republican Councilman Angelo Ferrara said there could be only two reasons for the hasty appointment: a supermajority needed for bonding or a supermajority needed for tax increases.
 
"I have a concern with both of those," said Ferrara. 

"There's no hidden agendas," said Riordan. "I will fully perform my duties in the best interest of the Town of North Hempstead."

A resolution to appoint Riordan was added to Tuesday's agenda after Democratic Councliwomen Lee Seeman, Vivian Russell and Anna Kaplan joined Dwyer in a move Monday to approve Riordan.

DeGiorgio, who was not contacted prior to the town board meeting regarding the appointment of Riordan, questioned the need for having an acting town supervisor.  

"It is unclear to me why we would need a voting supervisor at this point in the year," said DeGiorgio. "The board can function adequately with Chris."

Dwyer said Riordan will do a "fantastic job" as supervisor for the Town of North Hempstead. Other Democrats agreed.

"It's great to have two minds instead of one mind," said Kaplan. "I can certainly vouch that it's more than a full-time job."

Riordan will assume duties as supervisor on Oct. 7.