Hempstead, NY - April 7, 2017 - The Village of Hempstead began a new era this week, as long-time Village trustee and republican Don Ryan was sworn in as mayor, replacing outgoing democratic mayor Wayne J. Hall, Sr. Also at the ceremony, LaMont Johnson and Charles Renfroe were sworn in as elected trustees, Gladys Rodriguez as an appointed trustee, and Paul R. Delle as elected village justice. Mayor Ryan also announced incumbent trustee Perry Pettus as deputy mayor.
At the swearing-in, Mayor Ryan expressed his gratitude to voters and outlined his vision of the future. “I am honored to be elected mayor of the Village of Hempstead and humbled by the support of the community,” said Mayor Ryan. “Now our attention must turn to the future prosperity of the Village of Hempstead. Through hard work, dedication and unity, we embark on a new chapter, one marked by more jobs, better roads and a safer community.”
Mayor Ryan has built a reputation for being a strong advocate for youth in the community; he has long campaigned to increase government support and training that prepares young residents for high-quality careers, and he was the director of the Youth Employment Program at Hempstead High School for 25 years. And though he is new to the position of mayor, Mr. Ryan has been a Hempstead resident for more than half a century, graduating from Hempstead High School in 1961. After graduating, he studied business administration at Adelphi University and earned a Master of Arts degree from Columbia University’s Teachers College. Additionally, Mr. Ryan has coached basketball for years and been a teacher at Hempstead High School for more than 30 years.
The ceremony ended with a nod to the outgoing Mayor, who today concluded a 12-year period as Village mayor. “I would like to thank Mayor Wayne Hall and his administration for their positive contributions during this transition,” said Mayor Ryan. “We are ready to hit the ground running, and today we take the first step toward making Hempstead into the wonderful Village that residents deserve.”
For more information on the Village of Hempstead please call 516-489-3400 or visit www.villageofhempstead.org.