Vote for Bill Murray for Ulster County Legislature!

Bill Murray for Ulster County Legislature Representing the Village of New Paltz

Elected twice as a New Paltz Village Trustee, my vision for the county embraces all the wonderful things we have while recognizing that there are areas that need focused attention and improvement. I believe my many years of service to New Paltz and the county especially equips me to get things done.

My Background

✭ New Paltz Village Trustee; Twice Elected

✭ New Paltz Volunteer Firefighter; Twice Awarded Firefighter of the Year

✭ Board Member Ulster County Planning Board; Nine Years’ Service

✭ Village liaison for New Paltz Planning Board, Bicycle Pedestrian Committee, Design Review Board/Historic Preservation Commission

✭ Member New Paltz and Ulster County Democratic Executive Committee

✭ 40 Year Career National Advocate for the Performing Arts

My Priorities

✭ Affordable housing. I will seek ways to streamline the planning board approval process for applications that include affordable units so more can be built.

✭ As our population ages and is confronted with physical and mental health challenges, we must prepare for that growing number by creating an effective framework of care to handle the increase in need for affordable assisted living facilities and for solutions to allow for aging in place and home care support.

✭ Since many people don’t live near a UCAT route, we need to develop a micro transit system providing discount vouchers to ride sharing services so our rural and not-so-rural residents can get to important appointments via existing electric vehicle ride sharing companies.

✭ Working with legislators and community leaders to develop expanded programs that effectively serve our unhoused population as well as to create a broader, interconnected county network of emergency shelters to be activated during extreme weather events.

✭There is an ongoing volunteer firefighter and EMS shortage in this county. We must find ways of increasing these dwindling numbers who volunteer for emergency agencies and are the backbone of our communities. Volunteer firefighters save our county millions of dollars and the state more than $3 billion in taxpayer funds every year.

Accomplishments

✭ Created our local Fire Sprinkler Law, which requires that new homes and large home expansions install fire sprinklers to protect egress routes in the event of a fire, giving people more time to escape.

✭ Working with then-New York State Senator Jen Metzger, pushed for an increase in our volunteer firefighters’ retirement stipend, which unanimously passed both the NYS Senate and Assembly.

✭ During the early days of the pandemic, I formed a local program, Neighbor to Neighbor, to reach out to our senior citizens to alleviate home isolation, so that they might feel more connected during those dark days.

✭ I have worked with my constituents to support and further efforts that protect our climate, tenants, members of our LGBTQIA+ community and people of color.

✭ Created and continue to administrate the Ulster County Padraig Julius Tobin Flusser Economic and Social Justice Scholarship, an essay contest for Ulster County high school graduates who will pursue college studies that prepare them for a career tackling social justice and economic issues. Named in memory of New Paltz’s Padraig Julius Tobin Flusser, who was passionate about social and economic justice. He died of a Fentanyl overdose in 2022.

✭ Was instrumental in saving the Ann Oliver house, a significant historic home, from demolition, soon to become the Dr. Margaret Wade-Lewis Cultural Center dedicated to Black studies and culture.

My wife, June Omura Wheeler, is an English teacher who periodically adjuncts at SUNY-New Paltz and is currently the dance teacher at Monticello High School; she spends her volunteer time and energy as board Vice President of Elting Memorial Library. Our twin daughters just graduated college, with Emilyn majoring in Public Policy and Urban Studies at NYU and Kira majoring in Environmental Sciences at Vassar, both have graduate school plans; our youngest child Henry is a soon to be sopohmore at the University of Rochester studying Computer Engineering and Music. All three children are graduates of the New Paltz Central School District.

Family

Letters to the Editor

My Own Letters

March 26, 2025
Democrats together

During these highly volatile times, it’s important to remember the significance of unity within our Democratic community.

The Democratic party has always championed the ideals of inclusivity, justice and progress. Yet, the current damaging, political, Trump-led landscape is threatening daily our country’s commitment to these values. It is incumbent upon Democrats to unite, not only to support our candidates and policies, but also to fortify the very essence and values of our democracy.

Unity does not mean we must all think alike. Democrats are a highly diverse group, bringing a vast range of perspectives and experiences that enhance our collective vision. Embracing this diversity is essential as we strive toward protecting Medicaid, Social Security, the First Amendment, marginalized populations, our environment, our courts, to name just a few. Let’s focus on the pressing concerns we share and the principles that bind, rather than the differences that splinter, creating a wedge between us.

Let’s support and encourage all party members to engage in open conversations, listen actively and compassionately to one another and cultivate an atmosphere of respect and collaboration.

Democrats working together will amplify individual voices and become a formidable force for ongoing positive change. It is only through unified strength that we can effectively advocate for the issues most important to our communities, while upholding our democratic ideals.

Let us commit to unite as a cohesive Ulster County Democratic family, ready to face challenges ahead with fearless resilience and togetherness.

William Wheeler Murray
New Paltz, NY

May 7, 2025

Trump attacks the arts

Ulster County is home to hundreds of artists and dozens of arts institutions who contribute to our prosperity, health, and culture and are a key driver for bringing in substantial tourist dollars. In our county, arts and culture contribute an estimated $814 million annually in total economic impact.

Recently, the county unveiled a thorough study of the arts’ impact here and has created a new position to lead to further growth in this vital sector. The contributions of artists and arts organizations certainly can be measured economically, but also much of the benefit we derive from them is incalculable.

So it is of grave concern that the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), a federal arts granting agency, has been threatened with elimination if the NEA does not abide by Trump edicts. I’ve worked in the arts my entire adult life, and this is much more of an attack on artists and freedom of expression than ever, considerably more than when the so-called NEA Four were under prolonged attack by Jesse Helms in the early 1990s.

The NEA was quick to change course now due to the threat, issuing this statement: “The N.E.A. is updating its grant making policy priorities to focus funding on projects that reflect the nation’s rich artistic heritage and creativity as prioritized by the president,” in mass emails to artists and institutions, “Consequently, we are terminating awards that fall outside these new priorities.”

By denying funding to artists and programs here in our county, these cuts will affect us by constricting growth, threatening jobs and stunting our overall well being.

Disingenuous statements released by the White House stating the endowment was changing course to be more inclusive, while in fact canceling works that are exemplars of diversity and inclusion, is on track with this administration’s desire to catastrophically unravel our institutions, culture and democracy.

This chaos must come to an end.

William Wheeler Murray
New Paltz, NY

Letters of Support

June 4, 2025

Dear Editors and Neighbors,

Bill Murray is my family’s pick for the upcoming Ulster County Village of New Paltz 20th District Legislature. I hope you join us.

Besides being the endorsed candidate by our County’s Democratic Committee, Bill has decades of experience serving our beautiful Village and community - he knows intimately what needs to get done and how to do it. And, maybe more importantly, he puts his own blood, sweat and tears on the line for his neighbors and our whole diverse community. For instance, he has been a twice-honored volunteer firefighter where he has helped many families through some of their worst days. In addition, he took initiative during the pandemic and formed a local program, Neighbor to Neighbor, to help our local senior citizens! To top it all off, Bill is also a twice-elected Village Trustee and he has served nine years on the Ulster County Planning Board.

Bill has not only worked hard for our community, he knows, from his long-term knowledge of New Paltz and the County, that we need more affordable homes, , more long-term care for our aging population, and innovative ways to support our unhoused populations. And he will get it done.

Experience, compassion, expertise and a get-it-done attitude! This is who we need! As threats to our community’s funding, safety, nature and healthcare mount, we need a strong, determined and expert Legislator like Bill Murray on our side!

Vote early!

Jennifer Wright Cook & Chris Oden, New Paltz, NY

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June 4, 2025

We wish to endorse William Murray of New Paltz for Ulster County Legislature, District 20. We have known Bill Murray very well during the past 17 years, as a friend, as a volunteer fireman, a member of the democratic party board, the Ulster Activists, the and the Village Board. Throughout this time, Bill has been a vigorous and steadfast advocate for progressive political action and legislation. There is every reason to believe that Bill will continue this record of intelligent leadership in the County Legislature. Please vote for Bill Murray; he deserves your support.

Tom and Ellen Rocco

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June 4, 2025

As the former Town Supervisor who has worked closely with previous County Legislators to benefit both the Town and Village of New Paltz, I am proud to endorse Village of New Paltz Trustee William (Bill) Murray for Ulster County Legislative District No. 20, representing the Village and Town of New Paltz, in the upcoming June primary.

Bill has also earned the endorsement of our County’s Democratic Committee, and for good reason. As a longtime Village resident and active community member, he understands the needs of our district firsthand. He is a small business owner, has served on the Village Planning Board, and has been elected twice to the Village Board of Trustees. He also served nine years on the Ulster County Planning Board.

In addition to his civic leadership, Bill has been twice recognized as Firefighter of the Year by the New Paltz Fire Department—Ulster County’s busiest volunteer fire department, which responds to an average of two calls per day. His dedication to public safety, housing solutions, and emergency services is rooted in experience and commitment.

Bill Murray knows the challenges our community faces—and how to address them. As a resident of the district, I wholeheartedly support his candidacy and encourage others in District 20 to do the same.

Neil Bettez, New Paltz, NY

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June 11, 2025

Dear New Paltz Voters,

We offer our family’s enthusiastic support for Candidate Bill Murray for Ulster County Village of New Paltz 20th District Legislature. It’s been our pleasure to come to know Mr. Murray as trusted friend, neighbor, parent, fellow community volunteer and colleague since settling in New Paltz in 2009.

Bill holds a solid record of community impact through years of active service in New Paltz and Ulster County, and we’re certain his experience qualifies him for District Legislature office. What truly distinguishes his candidacy and character is his applied respect for the spirit of creative collaboration.

Bill’s 40-year career as a National Advocate for visual and performing arts informs and enhances his approach to complex issues within our community. He understands considering multiple perspectives is crucial in any creative approach to problem-solving, mitigating tensions, and completing projects. Collaboration and support have been the generous spine of Bill’s work helping cross-cultural creative artists succeed, and this mindset now sustains his approach to fair and cooperative leadership.

Bill’s representative vision for New Paltz can work toward addressing our community’s diverse demands. He grasps the urgent needs for space for innovation, attention to sustainability, housing, and transit, while also considering balance with the rich histories bolstering the beloved character of our town and village.

Bill Murray is the candidate best able to apply this creative approach to challenges and policy with an open, curious mind and dedicated collaborative spirit.

Vote and vote early!

Sincerely,

Rachelle Gibson, Jason Vandermer, & Oscar Vandermer, New Paltz, NY

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June 18, 2025

I first met Bill when I was elected to Village Board in 2019, where he was a serving member. I learned quickly how helpful, kind, and thoughtful Bill is as we got to work planning the community build of the Hasbrouck Park Playground. I was thankful for his dedication to finding solutions and thinking of the specific needs of our community as we worked.

You’ll likely read many letters and endorsements that share details about Bill’s advocacy of equity and equality, how he is a volunteer firefighter, and that he was instrumental in saving the Ann Oliver House — and all these achievements show his thoughtfulness and his ability to think creatively. But I’d like to share that Bill is the ultimate helper with the biggest heart. He is the person who will go the extra mile to help people. And this is because Bill cares so deeply about community, about finding ways to strengthen and better our community for every one of us.

In the years of working with Bill, we became friends. I learned so much about him, his love of his family, the bees he keeps, and the family dog. We’ve talked about the state of the sidewalks, how to make streets safer, outreach for our seniors, the issues of child care and working parents, social justice, dreams of an LGBTQIA+ center, along with art and music and writing, and so much more.

Bill is a lovely human and I’m thankful to call him friend, and ever so hopeful to have him as our County Legislator.

Please join me in voting for Bill — William Murray — on June 24th.

Michele Zipp, New Paltz, NY

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June 18, 2025

Dear Editors and New Paltz Voters,

Vote for Bill Murray!

Bill Murray is pretty new to me. I've known him only a short time, but he's impressed me so deeply that I am keen to see him elected to be the Village of New Paltz’s Ulster County Legislator.

Working together lately to organize protest action in response to Trump’s efforts to undermine our democracy, Bill and I have had almost daily contact. What I have learned about Bill include the following:

* He tells the truth.

* If he says he's going to do something, he does.

* He's a smart, gentle, straightforward, and kindhearted leader.

* He takes his volunteer firefighter job so seriously that he will put to the side other personal and business commitments to respond to calls, sometimes several times a day. His humor and presence is seemingly always present and intact. That impresses me.

I'm a lesbian, and run several projects related to keeping the LGBTQI+ community safe. Because of his experience, energy, strong character and broad understanding of our communities, he is someone I want to see advocating and working for my community and all of us in the Ulster County Legislature. So, cast your vote for Bill Murray, now with early voting underway or, on primary day, Tuesday, June 24!

Isa Coffey, RN, Kingston, NY

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June 11, 2025

Dear Editor and Neighbors:

I am supporting Bill Murray for Ulster County Legislative District 20. I invite voters to join me to support the Ulster County Democratic Committee endorsed candidate in this upcoming primary so we can have Bill on the ballot in November. I have only lived in the Village a short time and have been particularly impressed with Bill's service to the community. His presence on the Village Board has championed changes to make us safer like the creation of local fire sprinkler law which requires new homes and large home expansions to install fire sprinklers to protect egress routes. So it is no surprise that Bill is also a diligent and active member of our all volunteer fire department. I have witnessed his passion for improving and expanding the housing stock. His service on the Ulster County planning board has provided him with insight for the need for affordable workforce housing if there is going to be economic development throughout the county. Bill is also my choice because I found him approachable and available which I believe makes for a responsive elected legislator. Finally, with early voting starting on June 14 at the New Paltz Community Center there is the opportunity to let Bill know you appreciate his service to our community by casting your ballot for him. Primary day is June 24th, don't miss a chance to support someone who has supported the New Paltz community with his whole heart.

Sincerely,

Tara Fitzpatrick, New Paltz Democratic Committee member

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Some recent photos with dignitaries, friends and events.

Contact Bill Murray for New Paltz's Ulster County Legislative District 20!