Adviser to Hempstead supervisor gets $32,805 pay raise

While Hempstead Town has cut back on seasonal and part-time workers this year as a cost-saving measure, the town board approved a $32,805 annual raise for a top adviser to Hempstead Supervisor Anthony Santino last week.

The salary increase came with a promotion for Matt Coleman, who will earn $150,000 annually as the senior policy adviser to the supervisor. Coleman, who served as Santino’s spokesman during last year’s election, had been an assistant to the town board.

Coleman had received a $7,500 pay hike in May, bringing his total salary increase this year to $40,305.

Asked about the pay hike, town spokesman Michael Deery said Coleman “has been placed in an entirely new job title that involves significantly increased responsibilities.”

Coleman two years ago served as spokesman for Hempstead Town Board member Bruce Blakeman’s unsuccessful campaign for Congress and also for the past winning campaigns of Nassau Legis. Howard Kopel (R-Lawrence).