Hempstead’s supervisor Murray runs her last meeting

Town of Hempstead Supervisor Kate Murray on May 4. 2015. Credit: Newsday / Audrey C. Tiernan
Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray presided over her last meeting Tuesday, culminating the end of her 14-year-tenure and ceding the seat in her failed bid for Nassau County district attorney.
Murray’s final meeting was low-key as the town approved a slate of gas station permits and town finance items.
Her only confrontation came from former supervisor candidate Felix Procacci, who announced that the Hempstead ethics board denied a pair of ethics complaints from a campaign event that used a pair of seized pit bulls at the town animal shelter.
As the meeting adjourned, Murray seemed content to fade away until she was greeted with Supervisor-elect Anthony Santino holding a bouquet of flowers and a standing ovation in the council chambers.
“On behalf of the town board and your coworkers, we want to thank you for your outstanding stewardship for the town of Hempstead,” Santino said. “We know for Kate Murray, the best is yet to come.”
Murray is leaving after serving for 12 years elected as supervisor and two years prior as town clerk. She is now between posts after mounting an all-or-nothing campaign for district attorney, when she was soundly defeated by Madeline Singas in November.
She has kept a low profile since her defeat. She attended a handful of dedications and ribbon cuttings and left her first town board meeting after the election, only staying for the Pledge of Allegiance.
Santino is set to be sworn in at next month’s board meeting after serving at Murray’s side as senior councilman and waiting for his turn as supervisor. He will also nominate his council seat successor early next year, who, if approved by the board, will serve until the November election.
Murray has kept her next move close to the vest. She has been a rumored candidate for County Executive if Edward Mangano does not seek reelection, although Murray has not addressed if she is interested in another campaign. She could also return to practicing law or take a university position in the private sector.
“After 14 years with the town, I’ve loved every single minute of it,” Murray said. “Thank you to all my colleagues who have worked diligently so well. On behalf of all the constituents in Hempstead, it has been my honor.”

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