Election 2018: Candidate Profile Of Brian Murray

Democrat Brian Murray is seeking re-election as state representative for the 10th Worcester District, with Republican Sandra Biagetti nipping at his heels.

The 10th Worcester District comprises Hopedale, Mendon, Milford and Medway: Precinct 1 (Norfolk Co.).

Murray, 58, graduated from Milford High School in 1977, earned a B.A. from Stonehill College and graduated in 1984 from the New England School of Law. He's been a state legislator for two years, and an attorney for 33 years. He served on the Milford School Committee from 1989 to 2001 and the Milford Board of Selectmen from 2001-2017. He and his wife, Emily, have two daughters Alex, 29, and Leah, 22 and a son, Jack, 26,

Murray said his uncle, Dr. Joseph E. Murray, Nobel Laureate in Medicine in 1990, told him that "service to society is the rent we pay for living on this planet." It's what he still considers to be the best piece of advice he was ever given.

He points to education as the most pressing issue facing his district.

"In particular, the failure to update the Foundation Budget formula, which provides state funding to local schools, over the last 25 years," said Murray. "Health care and special education costs have far surpassed what was provided in the original formula. Also we need greater resources for districts that face low-income and English Language Learner students."

This past term, Murray co-sponsored a bill that would have updated the formula, which he said would modernize assistance to the school districts to take into account current costs.

"We did achieve a measure of success, as a bill did pass in the House of Representatives," he said. "However, as it proceeded to a conference committee for reconciliation with a Senate version, consensus could not be reached. I am hopeful that, if re-elected, I can continue to fight for passage of this bill."

Murray drives home the point that he has been committed to Milford his entire professional life, starting with his becoming a Town Meeting member in 1986.

"During this past term as a freshman legislator," he said, "I have worked hard to learn the needs of the surrounding towns in the district, Hopedale, Medway and Mendon, and assist in any way possible."

He also cites his legal background as an invaluable experience that helps with drafting, reviewing and voting within legislation. Having been a municipal official gives him insight into how legislation would affect municipalities and schools in practical terms.

"When I was first elected as state representative two years ago," said Murray, "I pledged that constituent service would be my number 1 priority. During this first term, I assisted with more than 750 constituent concerns and issues. That level of service will continue to be a priority for me as I understand how difficult it can be for folks to try to deal with state agencies.

"On a broader scale, I think that we need to do more to encourage the solar energy industry. I supported legislation doing so in this term and, if re-elected, I will continue to support it. It is not only good for the environment, but good for the economy as well."

Murray told Patch that opportunities should be expanded to get into the advanced manufacturing, a growing industry. Expanding vocational and technical educational resources and building partnerships with businesses would help that along, he said.

He also lists housing as a legislative priority, particularly where availability and affordability are concerned, along with problems in the health care system.

"We have to take affirmative steps to reduce the rising cost of healthcare," said Murray. "And we need to work creatively and cooperatively to reverse the opioid addiction crisis."

He considers his first term as a legislator productive, getting five local bills signed into law. Murray also served as co-chair of the House Legislative Library Caucus, which increased funding for libraries across the state in this year's budget.

"I was able to bring a great deal of resources to the district such as funding for the Hopedale Police Department, a public service building in Medway, police station and senior center renovations in Mendon, downtown revitalization in Milford and substance abuse prevention in the greater Milford area," said Murray. "I worked cooperatively with other legislators, both Democrats and Republicans, supporting such major initiatives as a $460 million Life Sciences bond bill, a major Economic Development bond bill, criminal justice reform and legislation to address the opioid crisis, as well as many other pieces of legislation.

Murray also lists chairing committees that re-built Draper Memorial Park, constructed a new senior center, and renovated the high school field complex and youth center in Milford. He said it shows he has a long-standing ability and dedication to work with others to improve the community.

"I take my role as a state representative very seriously," said Murray. "I try to learn as much as I can about any issue that comes before me so that I am able to make informed decisions going forward. I believe that my most important function as a representative is to help people and our communities. I am very accessible and work hard to respond and address people’s issues as quickly as possible. Philosophically, my primary objective is to make a positive contribution to people’s lives. I feel that I work well with people of all ideologies and backgrounds in a very pragmatic way to accomplish that goal."

Photo submitted, Brian Murray