Letter: Nassau commissioner earned her post

I feel compelled to respond to the letter expressing concern over the recent appointment of Lisa Murphy as Nassau County's first Commissioner of Human Services ["Where does Nassau find the money?" Aug. 17]. The writer cites her $105,000 salary and the fact that she is the daughter of former Sen. Alfonse D'Amato, as if that should disqualify her for the position.

Murphy, after raising seven children, served as deputy commissioner of the Office of Senior Citizen Affairs for Nassau County, for which she was lauded by members of both political parties for her responsiveness and effectiveness in serving our senior population. She has clearly demonstrated her ability to be successful in her own right.

Her new position will bring together four departments under the umbrella of one department, thus saving the county and its taxpayers much money through consolidation. For example, the commissioner of Senior Affairs earned $130,000 plus benefits, and the commissioner of Drug, Alcohol & Substance Abuse earned $105,000 plus benefits. These positions were eliminated under the consolidation.

Instead of criticism because of her parentage, Murphy should be thanked for accepting this monumental responsibility at such a reasonable salary. She received unanimous support from the Legislature, crossing both sides of the proverbial aisle, another notable achievement in today's politically charged society.

Denise Ford, Long Beach

Editor's note: The writer represents the 4th legislative district in Nassau County.