Middletown Deputy Mayor Gets West Long Branch Admin Job Despite Financial Problems

WEST LONG BRANCH - Borough officials here have hired Middletown deputy mayor Stephanie Murray as the new administrator, according to a report in app.com.

Borough Council members approved her $48,000 annual salary for the part-time position at the Sept. 20 meeting. She will not receive any medical benefits.

"She's been an elected Middletown official since 2012 and we liked that she had good knowledge of how to interact with the different municipal departments," said Councilman Stephen A. Bray. "And she had private experience in marketing, communications and public relations. We wanted someone who would have good community outreach."

However, it was just a year ago that Murray's Wallace Road home was slated for foreclosure. The bank canceled the sale in April, according to a spokesperson in the Monmouth Count Sheriff's Office.

Bray said he did not know about the foreclosure, or a federal tax lien, which names Murray's husband on the lien. The lien was for income Kenneth Murray earned in 2011 and 2012.

Stephanie Murray said the lien will be resolved soon.

"I'm grateful that West Long Branch chose me and I can do what I do best and that is being a public servant," said Murray.

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Photo: Courtesy of Borough of Middletown