Stephanie Murray said she has a special place in her heart for the community she served over the last seven years as a member of the Middletown Township Committee.
On June 22, Murray resigned from her position on the governing body. She was serving as Middletown’s mayor during 2018.
In her letter of resignation, Murray wrote, “Effective immediately, I am resigning from my volunteer position on the Middletown Township Committee. Due to increased career responsibilities, I no longer have the ability to dedicate the time the office of mayor and Township Committee require. It’s been a rewarding experience dedicating my time and energy to the community I love for the last seven years.”
Although Murray referred to a “volunteer position,” she confirmed she was accepting a stipend as a member of the governing body.
Committeeman Kevin M. Settembrino, who was serving as deputy mayor, will temporarily serve as a mayor, according to the township’s website. The remaining members of the committee are Anthony P. Fiore, Anthony S. Perry and Rick W. Hibell.
In a statement, township officials said, “The unexpired term for Ms. Murray’s seat will be up for election this November, with the elected successor’s term commencing upon certification of the November election results, expiring on Dec. 31, 2020. The Township Committee intends to appoint a temporary successor to fill the vacancy and select a new mayor and deputy mayor at its July 16 regular meeting.”
In an interview, Murray said she has taken a full-time position as the West Long Branch borough administrator. She has worked in a part-time position in West Long Branch since 2017.
Murray said she completed the Certified Public Manager program, a one-year curriculum at Rutgers University, before obtaining the part-time position as the West Long Branch administrator. The advancement to a full-time position in West Long Branch came less than one year after she was hired.
“It’s funny, at 40, that is when I discovered what I wanted to do with the rest of my life,” Murray said.
Murray said her interest in her community began to take shape about 10 years ago when she initiated “Middletown Mornings,” a group of stay-at-home moms, senior citizens and retirees who made a regular effort to discuss the happenings in the 58.7-square-mile community, among other subjects.
Murray has been a resident of Middletown since 2001.
Searching for ways in which she could serve residents, Murray said members of her social group would meet with public officials who, she said, would openly converse about local issues.
Murray described her transition from curious resident to active public official as “natural.”
“One thing led to another and I wound up running for office,” she said. “I would have never even imagined running for office.”
Murray counts among her accomplishments in public office a 0 percent tax increase that was offered to residents in 2017 and 2018, her assistance in launching historic tourism in Middletown, and taking part in “Middletown 350,” a celebration that honored the 350th anniversary of the municipality.
She praised Middletown’s emergency responders and their efforts to keep the community safe, saying, “People who volunteer to put their lives on the line, I’ve always been very impressed by that.”
Murray said she remains exceptionally fond of the people who live and work in Middletown.
“It is so important to be happy where you live, that was at the heart of it for me,” she said as she reflected on her time in office. “I feel very fortunate, I feel very blessed, and I treasure the time I spent on the governing body.”‘
Murray said although she will no longer serve on the Township Committee, her love for her town of residence will remain strong.
