ToH - TB - Supervisor Murray

Kate Murray is respected on Wall Street and trusted on Main Street. The Supervisor of America's largest township, Ms. Murray has worked diligently to earn our town the highest Wall Street credit ratings of any town or county on Long Island. Simultaneously, friends and neighbors across Hempstead Town are enthusiastic about enhanced services, top-notch programs and renovated facilities that combine to ensure the finest quality-of-life experience anywhere.

Today, Kate Murray remains passionate about serving all 762,000 members of the town's family. In fact, she commences each workday by asking herself a question that guides her actions throughout the year . . . "How can I improve the lives of the people I serve?"

On the financial front, Kate has done much more than earn the respect of independent credit rating agencies. She has dedicated herself to gimmick-free, transparent budgeting. This approach has won the Murray administration two consecutive "excellence in financial reporting awards" from the non-partisan Government Finance Officers Association. What's more, Murray's government represents the only county or town on Long Island that posts its budget "on-line" for all residents to view. Regardless of fiscal "trials and tribulations" that may affect other jurisdictions, residents can at least count on one level of government to be fiscally responsible and accountable.

Supervisor Kate Murray often says, "What good is the finest fiscal standing if you aren't serving the people whom you represent." That's why Kate continues to demonstrate that excellent fiscal management and top-notch facilities, programs and services can go hand-in-hand.

Perhaps one of the most visible manifestations of the life-enhancing initiatives being undertaken by the supervisor and the town board is the ongoing $40 million parks improvement program. Our superlative parks feature new and refurbished pools, dozens of new play structures, upgraded tennis and basketball courts, superior golf courses, new playing fields and overhauled fishing piers and marinas, among other improvements.

Services at town facilities remain at the highest level. Our ANCHOR program is emblematic of Kate Murray's dedication to serving residents with enriching programs. ANCHOR is a program for physically and mentally challenged members of the town's family. The staff provides physical, emotional and social opportunities and support. In fact, Anchor's drama club has been the subject of an acclaimed HBO documentary called "Yellow Brick Road."

Caring and compassion are also at the core of Hempstead Town's senior enrichment offerings. From income tax preparation assistance, health screenings and recreation to a popular summer beach program, transportation services, entertainment and nutrition programs, Kate Murray is working hard to ensure that these are truly the "golden years" for mature town residents.

Great quality-of-life enhancing activities are presented for all of our neighbors to enjoy. Free summer concerts, swimming lessons at our indoor pool, a hockey program at Newbridge skating rink, yoga classes, art classes, lectures and more offer something for everyone.

Kate Murray is building an impressive environmental legacy for our families and future generations. In the summer of 2005, the supervisor opened Long Island's newest nature preserve in Lido Beach, the Lido Beach Passive Nature Study Area. The site, formerly threatened with development, is home to abundant wildlife, birds and waterfowl. This victory builds upon the town's second solar energy system at a town government building. What's more, Kate is establishing Long Island's first fleet of hybrid-powered garbage trucks. These initiatives complement the largest municipal electric car fleet. Kate Murray is even working with SPLASH, a group committed to keeping waterways clean, to curtail illegal dumping into local storm drains.

Affordable homes are key to the future of the town. The supervisor is proud that Nassau's first mixed-income rental home development has been completed at the former Roosevelt Raceway site. The development features a 20 percent affordable component. The town has accelerated the development of affordable single-family homes across the town, making the American dream a reality for more people. Cost effective senior co-ops and rental apartments are helping mature residents to remain in the communities they love. A total of 2,500 such senior homes have been completed to date.

Kate Murray is protecting the suburban character of our neighborhoods and standing strong in the face of threats to residential neighborhoods. Overdevelopment will not be permitted at the expense of the suburban tranquility that our families now enjoy.

Kate Murray is respected on Wall Street and trusted on Main Street because she has shown that fiscal responsibility and great services can go hand-in-hand.

The first woman to be elected supervisor in Hempstead Town's 363-year history, Kate Murray is no stranger to shattering the glass ceiling and accomplishing a host of impressive "firsts" in her career. Before serving as Supervisor of America's largest township, she was the first woman and first attorney to be elected Hempstead Town Clerk. Elected in 2001, she established the town's "One Stop Passport Shop," a location where visitors can take care of all their passport needs. On February 3, 1998 Kate Murray became the first woman and first Levittowner elected to the New York State Assembly from the 19th District.

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 advocate for Suffolk University Battered Women's Advocacy Project representing victims of domestic violence.

Supervisor Murray has long been active in community organizations and politics. She 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 the Hofstra Arboretum, Irish-Americans in Government, the Sierra Club and the Board of Directors of the Bellmore-Merrick Wellness Council. Ms. Murray is a sponsor of the Irish Repertory Theatre.

A graduate of Boston College and Suffolk University Law School, Supervisor Murray is a lifelong resident of Levittown.

The supervisor serves as the chief executive officer of town government. She presides at all town board meetings, directing the legislative and administrative functions of that body. The supervisor also oversees the day-to-day operations of a municipal government of 24 departments, employing just under 2,000 people, and providing services to some 762,000 residents. As the chief financial officer of the township, the supervisor is responsible for the creation and the implementation of a town budget of $383.5 million.