Kate Murray, the first woman elected supervisor of America's largest township, was inducted for her third term during a moving ceremony at Hempstead Town Hall on Jan. 3.

Murray, who first became supervisor in January 2003, focused her remarks on the accomplishments of her administration and her vision for the future. "We are aggressively drawing upon the best of our past and are focused on the promise of our future as we continue to flourish as America's most desirable township in which to live," said the supervisor. "We are committed to preserving the suburban character of our neighborhoods while we embrace balanced growth to accommodate young families and seniors who want to live here. Hempstead is also redeveloping downtowns to keep business districts vibrant and guard against urban decay."

Murray has continued the excellent leadership, bolstering the fiscal stability for which the Town of Hempstead has become known. During her tenure as supervisor, Murray has enhanced services, facilities and programs throughout the town. She has stepped up the town's affordable homes program, added several alternate energy technologies to town facilities and opened Hempstead Town's newest nature preserve in Lido Beach. In addition, she has upgraded the town's infrastructure, worked to secure grants to bring "green energy" to town facilities, added an "e-cycling" computer recycling program and worked vigorously to arrange for the restoration of eroded beachfront in Point Lookout.

A special component of the induction ceremony was a video presentation featuring some town highlights. One of the most poignant moments of the inauguration ceremony was when Supervisor Murray honored the family of a Levittown soldier who was killed in Iraq in April. Daniel Fuentes' parents Nancy and Armando Fuentes led the Pledge of Allegiance and were presented with the Town of Hempstead Veteran's Medal on behalf of their son. This was the first time the medal has ever been presented to a non-veteran.

"We can never adequately thank him, but I hope that Mr. and Mrs. Fuentes know that their son will forever be in our hearts," Supervisor Murray said. "One of the reasons you and I are able to live the suburban dream in peace and freedom is because of United States Army Private First Class Daniel Fuentes. Daniel was a young man who lived in my hometown of Levittown. He gave his life on April 6 while defending our nation in Iraq. Hempstead town will be renaming Trapper Lane Daniel Fuentes Lane on April 5, marking the anniversary of his death."

Prior to becoming Hempstead Town's first chief executive, Murray served as the first woman and the first native Levittowner to hold the position of New York State Assemblymember for the 19th district. She was then elected the first woman and first attorney to serve as Hempstead Town Clerk.

Town Councilwoman Angie Cullin (5th Councilmanic District), Councilman James Darcy (3rd Councilmanic District), Councilman Ed Ambrosino (2nd Councilmanic District), Receiver of Taxes Don Clavin and Town Clerk Mark Bonilla were also inducted after being re-elected in the November 2007 election.

"The men and women who are being sworn into office today, along with the rest of the town board, have as their common goal a prosperous future for all residents of the town," concluded Murray. "Our township is 362 years young, we have public officials who care and our future is bright... we are Hempstead Town."