Kate Murray

There is no more viable major GOP candidate in Nassau County. Since being appointed to the position in 2003 after former Supervisor Richard Guardino resigned, Murray has won re-election—the first woman to do so since the office was created in 1918—and cemented herself as a popular elected official among voters. A former member of the New York State Assembly, Murray is the public face reminding us of the old days of complete GOP domination in Nassau. She has been known to work hard for her constituency and under her direction, Hempstead Town has continued to move forward. She has advocated for mixed-use housing, helped the ANCHOR program flourish and provided services for seniors. But Kate Murray’s real power is growing. The Town is now the official gatekeeper of the Lighthouse project, one of the most ambitious construction plans on Long Island since Robert Moses’ era. All this comes as Murray is primed for a run at a higher office. These are interesting days indeed for the supervisor. With careful stepping, there is little doubt she will be a long-standing power player.

Inducted to the Hall of Fame in 2009