KINGSTON, N.Y. — William Murray, a member of the New Paltz village board, is set to join the Ulster County Legislature.
Murray, 69 years old, is running without any opposition for the legislative position currently occupied by Liminia Grace Harmon, who is choosing not to seek a second term.
A registered Democrat, Murray launched his initial attempt for the position in 2023, when he failed to defeat Harmon in a Democratic primary election for the party’s nomination.
In June, he effectively defended his candidacy in a primary election after Democratic voters chose him over Stana Weisburd, with a vote count of 272 to 238.
County legislators hold two-year terms. However, because of a new state law requiring most local elections to occur in even-numbered years, this year, legislators will be running for just a one-year term. A ruling from the Court of Appeals on a challenge to this law is still pending.
Murray is a consultant specializing in performing and visual arts, having resided in New Paltz for two decades. He volunteers as an interior firefighter and has been part of the county Planning Board for nine years. Additionally, he is involved with the village Planning Board, Bike Pedestrian Safety Board, and Historic Preservation Board.
“I have a strong grasp of what our community requires due to my extensive experience working with the Village of New Paltz and Ulster County,” Murray stated when responding to a query from Freeman. “My tenure on the County Planning Board has provided me with insight into developments across the county,” he further noted.
As a representative, Murray stated he would collaborate with the executive branch, the comptroller, and fellow lawmakers to develop practical solutions for expected reductions in federal funding affecting housing, environmental safeguards, mental health services, and the rights of seniors and LGBTQIA+ individuals.
He mentioned that he intends to utilize the county’s fund balance to enhance and safeguard transportation services, veteran support programs, food and heating assistance initiatives, and he also stated his commitment to seeking methods to simplify the approval procedures in order to increase housing availability, particularly affordable housing.
Murray stated that workforce development will be given “equal importance” as expanding affordable housing, explaining that without job opportunities, even “affordable” housing would become unmanageable.
The legislative district 20 of the Ulster County includes the village of New Paltz and part of the nearby town.
Early voting starts on October 25. The election day falls on November 4.
