Freehold Township Committee Election 2024: Michael Murphy

FREEHOLD, NJ — Freehold’s general election on Nov. 5 has three candidates running for two open seats on the Freehold Township Committee.

Candidate Michael Murphy is running for one of two seats on the Committee. Opposing candidates include Anthony Ammiano and Thomas Cook.

Are you running for Township Committee in Freehold? Contact Sara Winick at sara.winick@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate's profile and submitting campaign announcements to Freehold Patch.

Michael Murphy

Age: 45
Town of residence: Freehold Township
Education: BA, Rutgers University
Occupation: Finance Manager

What drove you to seek public office?
I was inspired to run for office after seeing firsthand how the lack of a responsive governing body can affect residents. Constituent service, especially on the local level, is essential.

We need someone who will always put the residents first.

What sets you apart from the other candidates?
I’m not a politician. In fact, if elected, I will only serve one term.

The idea of running for a seventh, eighth, or ninth term boggles my mind. There are too many talented people in Freehold Township for the Township Committee members to be there for life.

What you will get from me is someone who is going to worry about you and your families.

I will never have to worry about a political party, a town administrator, reelection, or a political future to cloud my judgment because I don’t want a political future.

I will give you everything I have for my three years and then pass on the honor of serving to whomever the voters choose.

What do you see as the biggest issue facing Freehold Township, and how will you resolve it?
So many people I have talked to discuss the lack of transparency that exists in our current government.

Our committee meetings are not broadcast the way neighboring towns and our own Board of Education are. I have witnessed an outright refusal by our committee members to answer direct questions from residents.

In fact, when offered a forum by the Monmouth County League of Women Voters to answer questions by residents, my two opponents declined to participate.

I would propose all public meetings be available, whether it be via YouTube, the town's Facebook page, or any other platform available.

For my part, I will institute “office hours” twice a month where residents can talk to me face-to-face about any issue they are having without the glare of a public meeting. I will also be checking and answering my own emails regularly rather than communicating with residents through the town administrator and his office.

What are past accomplishments or experiences that make you qualified for this position?
I have always been someone able to work with people from different backgrounds.

From early on in my work life managing individuals ranging from teenagers to seniors, I learned that people are not one size fits all.

You need to get to know the individual. This has continued throughout our current campaign.

I have been proud to talk to people from both sides of the political spectrum and have earned their support. You will see my signs in front yards next to those supporting both Presidential candidates.

This has shown me that despite our differences, a lot of people in Freehold Township see the value I can bring to this committee and our community.

Name one thing about Freehold Township that always makes you smile.
The people. More specifically, my parents, who moved us to Freehold Township when I was 8 years old.

It was one of the greatest gifts they ever gave my brother and I, and I know that they are looking down and smiling as my wife and I strive to give our son everything I had growing up.

Family Town was a way of life then. Some of my best friends are people I met that first day at Errickson back in January of 1988. The people are still what makes Freehold Township.

We are a town of good, hardworking families who want their kids and grandkids to be happy and safe.