Town Supervisors Endorse Mary Beth Murphy for State Senate

Town supervisors in Putnam, Westchester and Dutchess counties gathered this morning at the gazebo in Somers' Bailey Park to support Mary Beth Murphy's run for the 40^th state senate district.

In all, six supervisors formally announced their support, including Bedford town supervisor Lee Roberts. Roberts, who did not attend the event, said that Murphy has demonstrated leadership and competence that would serve her well in a heightened role.

"She has a first-hand knowledge of our local issues and would be an excellent representative for the 40th district,"she said in a release distributed at the press conference.

The other supervisors endorsing Murphy today include Garry Warshauer of Pound Ridge, Pine Plains supervisor Greg Pulver, Kathy Doherty of Kent, Michael Griffin, supervisor of Patterson, and Warren Lucas of North Salem.

Murphy, who has served as Somers town supervisor for 12 years, has also been given the nod over her opponent, Assemblyman Greg Ball (R-Patterson), by the Westchester and Putnam GOP committees. Murphy and Ball will face off in a primary on September 14.

In her remarks, Murphy highlighted her focus on fighting unfunded mandates from Albany, providing property tax relief and reducing spending in Albany. Click on the video posted with this story to listen.

Lucas spoke after Murphy. He noted her willingness to take a leadership role on regional issues.

"She's worked on regional issues affecting our communities, including MS4 stormwater regulations. She builds consensus. We trust her to replace Vincent Leibell."

As for how she'd represent Bedford in the state senate, Murphy said she'd already had the pleasure of working with the town on many issues, including the development of paramedic service serving eight towns.

"I have a strong record in environmental issues and land preservation, which are important local issues," she said. "I'm going to work hard to keep taxes low and reduce spending in Albany."

In Westchester County, the 40th state Senate District covers the towns of Bedford, Cortlandt, Lewisboro, Mount Kisco, North Salem, Pound Ridge, Somers and Yorktown.

Across the aisle, county legislator Mike Kaplowitz (D-Somers) will face the primary winner. The state senate race will be decided on Nov. 2.