(Editor’s note: Democratic challenger Gary Port has not submitted a statement at this time.)
The candidate released a statement in part, “Kate Murray was elected in 2003 as the first female supervisor of Hempstead Town. A lifelong Levittown resident, Murray was also Hempstead Town’s first female town clerk in 2001 and the first woman to represent the New York State Assembly’s 19th District in 1998.
“Additionally, under Murray’s leadership, Hempstead Town was awarded the Excellence in Financial Reporting Award by the Independent Government Finance Officers Association for seven consecutive years. The award reflects the town’s transparency and honesty in budgeting and fiscal reporting. After all, taxpayers deserve accountability from their government officials.
“Fiscal restraint is a hallmark of Murray’s leadership. In fact, while many governments are increasing borrowing to balance untenable budgets, Kate actually reduced the town’s debt by $2.4 million in 2011. A similar level of accountability to taxpayers has been evidenced as the Supervisor has “right-sized government,” reducing the town’s workforce by 6 percent over the past decade.
“Hempstead Town neighbors enjoy a superlative quality-of-life as Murray’s government expends funds wisely. The Murray Team has just broken ground on a $6 million recreational facility for children with special needs.
“Major parks upgrades are family friendly improvements that are part of a $40 million recreational facility enhancement initiative. Senior services such as free flu shots and free income tax preparation have helped to ensure that these are the golden years for our seniors.
“Protecting the suburban character of our area and safeguarding the environment are also Murray priorities. Murray and her colleagues on the town board have produced the toughest cell tower legislation anywhere, stopping wireless communications giants from littering residential neighborhoods with unneeded cell towers.
“A friend of the environment, Kate Murray is working to leave our children a clean and healthy planet. The town has built Long Island’s first hydrogen vehicle fueling station at its alternative energy park, which also features geothermal energy, wind technology and solar power.
“Before serving as an elected official, Kate Murray worked as an Assistant Attorney General in the Criminal Justice Section handling prisoner litigation. Prior to her work with the Attorney General, Kate served as an advocate for Suffolk University Battered Women’s Advocacy Project.
“Murray is a graduate of Boston College and Suffolk University Law School.
“Involved and active in community organizations, Kate Murray is a member of the Nassau County Bar Association, the Women’s Bar Association, the Levittown Historical Society, Levittown Kiwanis, Levittown Community Council, Levittown Property Owners Association, Friends of Hofstra Arboretum, Irish-Americans in Government, the Sierra Club and the Bellmore-Merrick Wellness Council. Murray is a sponsor of the Irish Repertory Theatre.”
