Politics & Government

Q&A: Kate Murray, Town of Hempstead Supervisor

The Levittown resident defends her position against Democratic challenger Felix Procacci.

Written by Steven Nicastro

Kate Murray, 51, has served the position of Town of Hempstead supervisor since January 2003.

The Levittown resident defends her position against Democratic candidate, Felix Procacci, a community activist and computer programmer from Franklin Square.

The general election will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 5. Residents can find their polling locations at the Board of Elections website. Absentee ballots can also be found online here

Q: Why are you running for re-election?

I am running for re-election to continue my work of providing the best local government services at the lowest possible cost. In fact, I am proud to have produced a 2014 town budget that reduces town taxes, my third successive tax-cut budget.

At the same time, I am committed to maintaining all town services and programs in full force. From great parks, beaches and marinas to 16 senior centers, free flu shot programs and a host of other benefits, Hempstead Town has activities, services and programs that are enhancing the local quality-of-life.

Q: What qualifies you to serve in the position?

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My decade long service as Town supervisor has been marked by impressive accomplishments, providing residents with a municipality that is fiscally stable, while other governments at all levels face serious fiscal challenges.  

Indeed, our township has earned the highest Wall Street credit ratings available, two grades superior to New York City and New York State. What's more, my administration distinguished itself in the wake of Hurricane Sandy by waiving building permit fees for those rebuilding their storm-damaged homes.  

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My government is also working to expand the economy, placing 8,800 people in jobs during a one-year period. Moreover, my experience in running America's largest township in a responsible and progressive manner comprises my qualifications to continue in the position.

Q: What TOH services are most important to the district?

Many neighbors hit by Sandy recall how our Sanitation Department waived all restrictions after the Superstorm, picking up anything and everything for months on end. The town's Conservation and Waterways Department, which owns one of the only municipal hydraulic dredges, pumped sand out of clogged waterways after the storm, and rebuilt damaged sand dunes that constituted the last line of defense between the ocean and local homes and businesses.  

Our Highway Department cleared over 2,500 trees felled by the storm, and unclogged hundreds of debris-filled storm drains. Hempstead Town's Senior Enrichment Department provided 16 warming centers in the wake of Sandy, offering transportation, nutritious food and socialization.  

In short, it's difficult to pick a single town service that is "most important."

Q: What do you think is the biggest issue facing the Town of Hempstead?

The biggest issue facing the town is continuing our commitment to providing the best services at the lowest possible cost. A constant dedication to cost control makes this possible. In fact, our government has reduced the town's debt service costs in each of the last five years.

Q: If you are re-elected, what is the one thing you’d like to see accomplished during your term?

If I am re-elected, I am eager to see the Long Beach Island Storm Damage Reduction Project commence. Hempstead Town has been the first municipality to "sign on" this project as a key step in hardening our coastline to protect homes from storm devastation.

I will continue to work with Sen. Charles Schumer and Congressman Peter King to help neighbors secure the federal aid and insurance money they need to rebuild their homes and their lives.


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