Thomas E.Murray III, Assembly, 7th District

THOMAS E. MURRAY III

Democratic

BACKGROUND: Murray, 31, of Bayport, is making his first run for office. He is running on the Democratic and Women’s Equality party lines. Murray is an environmental lawyer. He earned his bachelor’s degree at the University of Richmond and his law degree at the University of Richmond School of Law. He is a member of the Greater Sayville Civic Association. He is married.

ISSUES: Murray said he will focus on things that will keep members of his generation on Long Island. “Most of my friends have left because of high taxes and the cost of living. I want to help keep my generation on Long Island,” he said. Cleaning the water in Great South Bay by improving septic systems and implementing sewer districts is key, and Murray said he will seek funding for septic systems. He would advocate on a case-by-case basis for smart growth, he said, done with local community support and preserving green spaces, and not overdevelopment. It’s past time to fix the infrastructure, he said, starting with the Oakdale Merge, the section where the Sunrise Highway and Montauk Highway connect between Great River and Oakdale. If elected, Murray said he would focus on constituent services and be an advocate year-round. He also supports the single-payer New York Health Act.