Max Levy - Longtime Essex Selectboard Chair
- I am writing to endorse Patrick Murray’s candidacy for the Vermont House in the upcoming primary. I spent a year working alongside Patrick during my 12-year tenure on the Essex Selectboard. I can speak firsthand to the amount of work, knowledge, and focus needed to do this job well; Patrick not only has the knowledge and willingness to work hard for all of us, but he also has the temperament needed to connect with the community as a whole. He was effective in his time on the Essex Selectboard and did so while serving concurrently as an official school director on the Essex-Westford School District Board, working full time, and being a devoted father. As our country struggles with the pandemic we need someone in Montpelier who will be ready to speak with authority and knowledge from the very first day. Patrick has experience with how tax burdens may impact businesses, how schools will need assistance in continuing education for children, and how best to help our local government maintain services for our whole community during these challenging times. As a former colleague I feel that Patrick has the ability, patience, and expertise to shoulder all of these challenges while envisioning a brighter future for every member of our community.
Martha Heath - EWSD Co-Chair, Former Chair of House Appropriations
- It is my pleasure to recommend Patrick Murray for one of the two seats up for election to the Vermont House of Representatives for the Chittenden 8-2 district. I have worked with Patrick for the past three years on the Essex Westford School District Board and I believe he has the qualities to make a good state representative.
Patrick showed some qualities in his board work that I believe will serve his district well if he is elected. Patrick is reliable and responsible and can be counted on to “show up”. He cares about good communication and was a strong member of our Communications Task Team. He was always well prepared for meetings and contributed thoughtfully to the discussions. One of the important characteristics of a good representative is that they are responsive to their constituents. I believe Patrick would always get back to folks who contact him and would be willing to carefully explain his thinking on any given issue.
As someone who served in the legislature for 22 years, I feel that Patrick Murray has the qualities to make him an excellent state representative. I urge you to cast one of your two votes for State Representative for the Chittenden 8-2 district for Patrick Murray.
Patrick showed some qualities in his board work that I believe will serve his district well if he is elected. Patrick is reliable and responsible and can be counted on to “show up”. He cares about good communication and was a strong member of our Communications Task Team. He was always well prepared for meetings and contributed thoughtfully to the discussions. One of the important characteristics of a good representative is that they are responsive to their constituents. I believe Patrick would always get back to folks who contact him and would be willing to carefully explain his thinking on any given issue.
As someone who served in the legislature for 22 years, I feel that Patrick Murray has the qualities to make him an excellent state representative. I urge you to cast one of your two votes for State Representative for the Chittenden 8-2 district for Patrick Murray.
Vincent Izzo - Local Artist/Event Coordinator, Telecom Professional
- I'm writing in as an Essex Junction resident to endorse Selectperson Patrick Murray in his campaign for the democratic primary in Chittenden 8-2. I've known Pat personally and professionally for over a decade and in that time he's always been both a problem solver and a diplomat when it comes to resolving issues between people. When we first met he was managing a theater event involving the direction and production of over 50 people between actors and crew. He was able to juggle the personalities and needs of everyone involved while also helping to oversee advertising and coordination of funding for the event all without compensation as the event was put on for charitable purposes. It was popular enough that he co-produced and co-wrote for years to follow and annually at Halloween it would inevitably see thousands of people attend over the course of two weekends right here at the Fairgrounds in the Junction.
Professionally we both work in telecommunications and Pat has been one of the longest serving technicians that I know. He was around back when Vermont was still relying on dialup and as the technology evolved so did his professional skills. If there is anyone that can talk about the ideas of getting reliable, high speed internet throughout Essex, not to mention the state, it's him. I've seen him work sixteen hour shifts, go home to sleep and then come back in for sixteen more when emergencies have forced it and I have no doubt he'd bring the same level of dedication to the Legislature. Please vote with me on August 11th for Patrick Murray to represent Essex Junction.
Professionally we both work in telecommunications and Pat has been one of the longest serving technicians that I know. He was around back when Vermont was still relying on dialup and as the technology evolved so did his professional skills. If there is anyone that can talk about the ideas of getting reliable, high speed internet throughout Essex, not to mention the state, it's him. I've seen him work sixteen hour shifts, go home to sleep and then come back in for sixteen more when emergencies have forced it and I have no doubt he'd bring the same level of dedication to the Legislature. Please vote with me on August 11th for Patrick Murray to represent Essex Junction.
Laura Printon - EHS 2020 Grad, EWSD Student Board Rep.
- I am writing to endorse Pat Murray for the Vermont House of Representatives. I served alongside Pat as a student representative on the Essex Westford School Board. In two years, he taught me the values of community engagement and demonstrated what outstanding leadership can do, not only for students, but for the entire Essex-Westford community. I support Pat Murray as a candidate because he’s an exceptional mentor, friend, public servant, and leader.
Pat has been a reliable source of help and information since I joined the board my junior year as a student member in 2018. Although he wasn’t an assigned mentor for student representatives, he always made himself available for in-depth conversations about the topic at hand. In a district new to student voice, Pat was one of the first board members to reach out and make connections with me and Grace, our other student representative. Throughout our first year, he asked important questions which helped shape our role on the board. He made us feel heard and amplified our voices so they had an impact on our school and community. During my second year on the board, we welcomed our new student representative, Tilly, to take the place of our graduate. Pat didn’t skip a beat, and gave her the same resources and attention she needed to learn and become confident at the board table. He made us feel recognized and useful among the board community.
There wasn’t one board meeting I attended during which Pat didn’t ask a question, make a contribution, share important information, or crack a joke. His dedication to public service is inspiring, and although the amount of research he comes prepared with can be intimidating, his cause is always just. Pat fights for important issues, and makes sure none get swept under the rug. I’m proud to endorse Pat as a candidate for the Vermont House of Representatives as he’s an outstanding role model, collaborator, public servant, and leader.
Pat has been a reliable source of help and information since I joined the board my junior year as a student member in 2018. Although he wasn’t an assigned mentor for student representatives, he always made himself available for in-depth conversations about the topic at hand. In a district new to student voice, Pat was one of the first board members to reach out and make connections with me and Grace, our other student representative. Throughout our first year, he asked important questions which helped shape our role on the board. He made us feel heard and amplified our voices so they had an impact on our school and community. During my second year on the board, we welcomed our new student representative, Tilly, to take the place of our graduate. Pat didn’t skip a beat, and gave her the same resources and attention she needed to learn and become confident at the board table. He made us feel recognized and useful among the board community.
There wasn’t one board meeting I attended during which Pat didn’t ask a question, make a contribution, share important information, or crack a joke. His dedication to public service is inspiring, and although the amount of research he comes prepared with can be intimidating, his cause is always just. Pat fights for important issues, and makes sure none get swept under the rug. I’m proud to endorse Pat as a candidate for the Vermont House of Representatives as he’s an outstanding role model, collaborator, public servant, and leader.
Jess Lloyd - Web Coordinator, Local Community Parent
- I'm writing to express my support for Patrick Murray in the upcoming democratic primary on August 11th. I knew of his advocacy for our community and students from watching his actions on the EWSD school board from afar, but I wanted to share a slightly different story about how he's helped me in particular, just one specific community member. A few years ago, even as we in the Junction had been waiting for school buses for a few years, and I had anticipated my child starting her first day in public school by taking the bus, the District suddenly had to drop the plans to bus junction students, and little advance warning. At the time, as a mother raising my child alone, and needing to get my kid to school during a small window, while also getting myself to work in the morning, this was devastating news. Pat was doing most of the school board's outreach at the time, a lot of which I saw on Facebook and Front Porch Forum, and when I posted on the Forum seeking anybody to try and figure out a carpool system or ride-sharing, he was quick to contact me and offer that, himself. I knew his name from the board, but it was as if he was replacing the promised school buses with a personal driver. This was never his job to do, but when he read about my situation, he didn't hesitate to act. For my child’s entire kindergarten year, he reliably showed up, every day, to get my kiddo to school on time, and therefore, I could get to work on time. Our daughters both went to Hiawatha, and so he adjusted his own schedule for two or three days every week, just to make sure that was always there at our house in the mornings, many neighborhoods away from his own, but en route to his normal drop off. Our kids weren't in the same classes, and we didn't know each other terribly well before all of this, but this is an example of the kind of person - and frankly, public servant - that Pat is. He was a volunteer school board member, with no obligations due to the situation that happened with buses that year, but he committed himself for an entire year just to help one family - one child - in need. Over time we've become friends, and now I'm asking people to support this man, but not just because of the work he's done just on boards for our schoolchildren and steering our town. I'm asking you to vote for someone that is the kind of person that, even as a stranger, would step outside of his own comfort zone, and personal priorities, to offer help and be there, for the most vulnerable of us, in every way he can.
Please join me in casting a vote for Patrick Murray for Vermont House on the Democratic primary ballot this August 11th.
Please join me in casting a vote for Patrick Murray for Vermont House on the Democratic primary ballot this August 11th.
Katie Ballard - Special Education and Disability Advocate
-I am writing today in support of Patrick Murray for House if Representatives. Patrick and I first met while leading a local theater non profit group, one that he ensured gave back directly to our community! When you run a non profit theatrical show it takes countless hours of dedication, and tireless problem solving to pull off the type of performances I was fortunate to work with Patrick on.
Patrick has always been a safe avenue for marginalized voices-especially when it comes to special education or other education related issues, like transportation. He has always been non judgmental and willing to challenge the status quo. Patrick has served our community with a sense of integrity and service that Essex has truly benefited from and I hope will continue once elected to represent us in Montpelier.
As a disabled adult I appreciate his advocacy related to the mailed ballots, as well as the over 40 hours of his personal time that went into making sure that happened safely and properly. I encourage my fellow 8-2 voters to join me in voting for Patrick Murray In August and November!
Patrick has always been a safe avenue for marginalized voices-especially when it comes to special education or other education related issues, like transportation. He has always been non judgmental and willing to challenge the status quo. Patrick has served our community with a sense of integrity and service that Essex has truly benefited from and I hope will continue once elected to represent us in Montpelier.
As a disabled adult I appreciate his advocacy related to the mailed ballots, as well as the over 40 hours of his personal time that went into making sure that happened safely and properly. I encourage my fellow 8-2 voters to join me in voting for Patrick Murray In August and November!
Robyn Moore - Global Foundries, Former Moderator, Local Volunteer
-It gives me a great deal of pleasure to endorse the candidacy of Patrick Murray for a seat in the Vermont House of Representatives, representing the Chittenden 8-2 district (Essex Junction). I have known Pat for about 14 years. We first met during our involvement in a community theater troupe. Pat started out as an actor and eventually become the producer/director for the event that has raised thousands of dollars for non-profit organizations, including Essex Chips.
I have also been impressed with Pat's service on the Essex Westford School District Board and the Essex Selectboard. He devoted a significant amount of time working to ensure that the school district board was responsive to the needs of our students. And he makes himself very available to his Selectboard constituents, actively participating in social media outreach.
Knowing Pat's hard work and dedication to the residents of Essex, and, as the daughter of two people who served in the Vermont House, I know the work that is involved. I feel Pat will be an outstanding Representative for the residents of Essex Junction.
I will be voting for Pat this fall, and I ask you to join me in casting your vote for Patrick Murray.
I have also been impressed with Pat's service on the Essex Westford School District Board and the Essex Selectboard. He devoted a significant amount of time working to ensure that the school district board was responsive to the needs of our students. And he makes himself very available to his Selectboard constituents, actively participating in social media outreach.
Knowing Pat's hard work and dedication to the residents of Essex, and, as the daughter of two people who served in the Vermont House, I know the work that is involved. I feel Pat will be an outstanding Representative for the residents of Essex Junction.
I will be voting for Pat this fall, and I ask you to join me in casting your vote for Patrick Murray.
Diane Clemens - EWSD School Board, Board of Civil Authority, Essex Junction Planning Committee
My neighbors have told me that they know it’s time to vote when the endorsement signs appear in my front yard.
This year I wholeheartedly endorse Patrick Murray for House Rep. from 8-2 Essex Junction. As a Justice of the Peace and Presiding Officer for the polls at EHS, to have a fellow member of the Board of Civil Authority tell me they were counting on helping at the polls all day – well, there’s been only one other so insistent in my time working the polls – Patrick was as good as his word.
As the clerk of the EWSD board and a point person of EWSD communication on social media, I knew I could count on him. He was always prepared for meetings, ready to ask questions for clarity and readily contributed to the discussion. I like the fact he replies back to emails and phone calls.
I’m not surprised Patrick is a Rotarian because he models the principles. I think he will do us well in Montpelier. So vote by mail before August 11 or at the polls that day.
This year I wholeheartedly endorse Patrick Murray for House Rep. from 8-2 Essex Junction. As a Justice of the Peace and Presiding Officer for the polls at EHS, to have a fellow member of the Board of Civil Authority tell me they were counting on helping at the polls all day – well, there’s been only one other so insistent in my time working the polls – Patrick was as good as his word.
As the clerk of the EWSD board and a point person of EWSD communication on social media, I knew I could count on him. He was always prepared for meetings, ready to ask questions for clarity and readily contributed to the discussion. I like the fact he replies back to emails and phone calls.
I’m not surprised Patrick is a Rotarian because he models the principles. I think he will do us well in Montpelier. So vote by mail before August 11 or at the polls that day.
Scott Moore - Director of Camp Exclamation Point
When my friend Patrick Murray asked me if I would be the Treasurer for his political campaign I was honored, but also nervous. I have never been the Treasurer for anything like that. I was not even sure where to begin. But he pointed me in the direction I needed to go to find the answers I needed. That is one of the reasons I support Pat in this election. He believed in me when I was not even sure I believed in myself. He will do the same for the town of Essex in Montpelier.
As we go through some tumultuous times, he will instill in us the belief that our community will come out on top. Pat will seek out the answers that Essex needs to help guide the direction we want to take. Pat’s experience shows he has that ability in multiple areas. My wife and I do not have children, but just seeing his response to questions about busing and schools and all things school board related, I know more about how it all works now than I ever have in the past. Pat does it in a way that is informative without being pushy, knowledgeable without being a know it all, and will humbly admit when he does not have the answer.
And Pat is quick to seek out the answer from those that do know. He will then pass that information on and remember it for next time so that he himself is knowledgeable.Pat has the experience, the compassion, the ability to compromise, and my vote! I encourage everyone to vote for and believe in Pat, because I know that he believes in us and will vote for our community in Montpelier.
As we go through some tumultuous times, he will instill in us the belief that our community will come out on top. Pat will seek out the answers that Essex needs to help guide the direction we want to take. Pat’s experience shows he has that ability in multiple areas. My wife and I do not have children, but just seeing his response to questions about busing and schools and all things school board related, I know more about how it all works now than I ever have in the past. Pat does it in a way that is informative without being pushy, knowledgeable without being a know it all, and will humbly admit when he does not have the answer.
And Pat is quick to seek out the answer from those that do know. He will then pass that information on and remember it for next time so that he himself is knowledgeable.Pat has the experience, the compassion, the ability to compromise, and my vote! I encourage everyone to vote for and believe in Pat, because I know that he believes in us and will vote for our community in Montpelier.
