Unity was the theme today at Hempstead Town Hall’s Nathan L. H. Bennett Pavilion, as hundreds were in attendance to witness the induction of Supervisor Don Clavin, along with Town Clerk Kate Murray, Receiver of Taxes Jeanine Driscoll, Council members Bruce Blakeman, Tom Muscarella and Christopher Carini.
The newly inducted officials were joined by their colleagues on the town board, senior Council members Dorothy Goosby, Anthony D’Esposito and Dennis Dunne Sr.
Tuesday’s ceremony kicked off with an opening appearance by the Nassau County Police Department’s Pipes and Drums, followed by the presentation of colors by members of the U.S. Marine Corps of Garden City. A musical selection was performed by the talented Uniondale High School Choir. The event also featured remarks from renowned clergy members and other guest speakers.
In outlining his vision for the future of Hempstead Town, Clavin invoked the wisdom of President Theodore Roosevelt in a call for unity and a working partnership between elected officials and the hard-working residents of America’s largest township.
“President Roosevelt once said, ‘The government is us, we are the government, you and I,’” stated Supervisor Clavin. “As supervisor of the Town of Hempstead, I vow to work alongside my colleagues on the Hempstead Town Board and ensure that Town Hall is providing programs, services and policies that are in the best interest of the residents of our great township.”
Clavin went on to detail his plans for revitalizing area downtowns with transit-oriented mixed-use development, creating transformative development zones to improve communities, increase road improvement projects and protect the local environment. The former receiver of taxes also promised to create additional opportunities for women and minorities at Hempstead Town Hall.
“The Town of Hempstead is one of the greatest places in the world in which to live, work and raise a family,” continued Clavin. “However, we can always do more and will continue to do more to better communities, support local businesses, create jobs and improve our town’s quality of life.”
Receiving an ovation upon her return to Hempstead Town Hall was newly inducted Town Clerk Kate Murray, who served as Supervisor from 2003 to 2016. As Clavin held the role of Receiver of Taxes for the past 18 years, he and Murray worked together to assist town residents through various property tax exemptions and other fiscally conservative initiatives.
“Serving the residents of the Town of Hempstead was the greatest honor of my life, and I am proud to return in the role of Town Clerk,” said Murray. “Under the leadership of Supervisor Don Clavin, who I had the pleasure of working with for so many years, I am confident that we will accomplish great things for the residents of America’s largest township.”
Driscoll said she would continue the Clavin’s advocacy as town clerk.
“Don Clavin left big shoes to fill at the Office of the Receiver of Taxes, but I am eager to step into the role and continue his excellent record of service and leadership on behalf of town residents,” said Driscoll. “I look forward to working with Supervisor Clavin and all the members of the Hempstead Town Board.”
“As we enter a new decade, I am energized to work with Don Clavin and my Town Board colleagues in addressing issues of government efficiency, public safety and economic development as well as overall quality of life in our Town,” said Councilman Bruce A. Blakeman.
“It is a great honor to have been elected to represent the 2nd Councilmanic District, and I am proud to embark on this new voyage with Supervisor Clavin and the Town Board to continue to make America’s largest township a great place to live, work and raise a family,” added Councilman Thomas Muscarella.
“I am looking forward to continuing my career in public service that began 22 years ago with the New York City Police Department, and it is an honor to start this new journey alongside Supervisor Don Clavin and my fellow Town Board members,” said Councilman Chris Carini.
Submitted by the Town of Hempstead
