When the election results became official, Republican incumbent Kate Murray had retained her job as the supervisor of the Town of Hempstead, the largest town in the nation. However, what is significant about Murray's victory is that Tuesday, Nov. 4 marked the first time she was elected to the position.

Following former supervisor Richard Guardino's resignation in January, Murray, the former town clerk, was appointed to fill the position drawing criticism from her eventual opponent, Dorothy Goosby, the only Democrat serving on the town board.

However, Murray's recent election victory has dispelled the notion that she hasn't earned the job. Winning by over 25,000 votes, Murray not only solidified her hold as the town's supervisor, but answered the critics who said she was not elected.

"I'm feeling great," she said nearly two weeks after Election Day.

Not only was Murray re-elected, but her running mates, all of the town's incumbents - Councilmen Ed Ambrosino and James Darcy, Councilwoman Angie Cullin, Receiver of Taxes Don Clavin and Town Clerk Mark Bonilla - were also re-elected.

Supervisor Murray felt the victory was a vote of confidence in the current administration. It was also proof that the Republican Party still has a firm grasp on the Town of Hempstead.

Now that Murray has been elected for another two years, she doesn't feel any different than she has since January when she was appointed to the position.

"I hit the ground running and haven't stopped since," she said about first accepting the job as supervisor.

In her first 10 months in office, Murray has attempted to address the concerns of the town, which is sometimes difficult considering that the Town of Hempstead is comprised of diverse communities with varying issues.

Shortly after taking office, Murray directed the town attorney's staff to think of ways to strengthen the town's code to fight illegal housing. Visual indicators such as multiple mailboxes or utility boxes can be considered when determining the possibility of an illegal occupancy.

Murray has also continued the town's commitment to affordable and senior housing in addition to proceeding with the preservation of the Lido Beach Passive Nature Area.

But while Murray has enjoyed the job of supervisor, both the aspect of governing and meeting constituents through various community appearances, there are still challenges that lie ahead.

Among the townwide issues the supervisor is concerned with is getting more residents to participate in the town's recycling program, looking at ways to boost economic development by perhaps helping small businesses with loans and getting a handle on street and road repair, which in some areas of the town such as Elmont requires dire attention.

Then there is the ever present problem of keeping a tax rate that both the town's seniors, low to middle income families and young families can afford. With the growing costs to govern a municipality, perhaps finances are the greatest concern.

Municipalities have been seeing an increase in various costs such as health insurance and the mandated contribution to the New York State retirement system for employees. Murray points out that in 2001, the Town of Hempstead contributed $500,000 to the New York State retirement system. The number jumped to $8 million in 2003 and for the 2004 budget, $16 million has been allocated for the town's contribution. Yet, Murray believes the town is on solid financial footing and can provide a myriad of services with only moderate increases to taxpayers.

While there are many townwide issues on her plate, there are also concerns specific to each community. In West Hempstead, many members of the West Hempstead Civic Association have lobbied to have the Courtesy Hotel closed.

In cases where concerns are specific to a community, Murray said she relies on the information provided by the council people who each represent a constituency within the town.

While the job of governing the largest township in the nation is not an easy one, Murray will continue on in the job with the confidence the voters placed in her.