Tim Murray, Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor

Breaking Ground on New Schools

2012-05-11T18:01:21Z

As part of his ongoing commitment to all forms of eduction, Lieutenant Governor Murray broke ground this week on the new Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical High School. To read more about it please click here http://www.salemnews.com/opinion/x1856223029/Our-View-New-school-a-wise-investment-in-the-future

Investing in our Ports for the Future

2012-05-03T18:19:48Z

As part of his ongoing work to build the transportation infrastructure and use all of the natural resources of the Commonwealth, Lieutenant Governor Murray was in New Bedford this week to announce the Ports of Massachusetts Compact. Here's an excerpt from the New Bedford Standard Times editorial on the subject:

Our View: Ports Compact builds on SouthCoast potential

May 02, 2012

A walk down Johnny Cake Hill on a day like Tuesday could easily transport one back a century or so. Granite pavement, maritime commerce, the occasional foghorn ... anyone walking along without the distractions of 21st century electronics can appreciate the mystique of the storied waterfront.

It is a 21st century waterfront, though, with modern challenges and opportunities, and despite the cliche of SouthCoast and its cities of New Bedford and Fall River long being ignored by the bustling, self-reliant and self-absorbed city of Boston, another move from the Statehouse shows the state's commitment to the region that belies the cliche.

Lt. Gov. Timothy Murray was in New Bedford Monday, and he brought with him the mayors of Boston, Salem and Gloucester, who joined those of Fall River and New Bedford, William A. Flanagan and Jon Mitchell, to sign the Ports of Massachusetts Compact. Also in attendance, and signing, were the co-chairs of the Legislature's Joint Committee on Transportation, Sen. Thomas N. McGee, D-Lynn, and Rep. William M. Straus, D-Mattapoisett, and representatives from a bevy of state agencies.

To read the full article click on the link below.

http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120502/OPINION/205020310

Important Work at Natick Soldier Systems

2012-04-25T13:27:46Z

As part of his ongoing work to promote and support the national security missions and economic impacts of the active military installations in Massachusetts, Tim Murray recently visited the U.S. Army's Soldier Systems Center in Natick. Here's an excerpt from the MetroWest Daily News story on the visit:

Officials visit Natick Labs to prepare for base closing fight

By Ian B. Murphy/Daily News staff
MetroWest Daily News
Posted Apr 24, 2012 @ 12:54 AM

NATICK -- Lt. Gov. Tim Murray and members of a commission charged with keeping the state's military bases open toured Natick Soldier Systems Center yesterday to learn about the base in advance of a possible congressional mandate to close it.

Murray and members of the Military Asset and Security Task Force came away from the tour praising the base's synergy with local businesses, universities and municipalities and said those qualities will be crucial to keep Natick Labs open.

After the tour, Murray, U.S. Rep. Niki Tsongas, D-5th, and the task force held a roundtable discussion at the Morse Institute Library, where they offered their observations from the tour.

"It really is an incredible facility," Murray said. "Natick (connects to) all of that, employs nearly 2,000 people itself, and that doesn't include the spinoff from that for the contract work in the area."

John Harlow, the base's information officer, said Natick Labs contributed $1.7 billion to the local economy in 2011 through wages, benefits and contracts. Harlow said 1,222 of the base's 1,850 employees have advanced degrees in 70 disciplines from aeronautics to zoology. The Army base works with Natick High School's robotics club, holds local events like the Veterans Day dinner and has developed strong ties to the town.

Read full story here.
http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/features/x643676640/Officials-visit-Natick-Labs-to-prepare-for-base-closing-fight
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Help for Young People with Addictions

2012-04-02T21:06:35Z

Dealing with substance abuse is among the most challenging, yet important issues we face as a Commonwealth. So I am writing today to share this story about the state's newest recovery high school, in hopes that people in other communities may benefit from this example.

Drug or alcohol abuse can devastate lives and families, especially when it's a young person in the throes of addiction. Today, because of one Brockton parent's determination to make a difference, families across southeastern Massachusetts have new hope for helping their children who suffer from addiction.

I first met Bill Carpenter in January at the opening of the Independence Academy in Brockton, which is now the state's fourth recovery high school and serves students throughout the southeastern region who are working to overcome drug and alcohol addictions. As Lieutenant Governor, I chair the Administration's Interagency Council on Substance Abuse and Prevention, and in this role, I have visited the recovery high schools in Boston, Beverly and Springfield. During these visits, when students have shared their personal stories, I always hear in their voices a palpable sense of relief to have found an environment that actively supports their recovery. Many have told me that if it were not for the recovery high school, they believe they would be dead from an overdose or an addiction related incident.

It is chilling to hear such troubling words come from the mouth of a young adult. I am not unfamiliar with issues surrounding recovery and addiction, as my mother for years worked at a local recovery hospital in Worcester, and like most families have had relatives who have fought this fight. Nonetheless it is heart wrenching to hear these young people, who are so vulnerable and desperate for help, talk about death and feeling trapped by the scourge of addiction.

Moreover, the sense of despair is multiplied across a generation when you hear the personal account from a parent whose child is battling an addiction. Yet, out of one parent's pain and desperation, the Independence Academy in Brockton was born.

Bill Carpenter's son was a promising student athlete when he became addicted to oxycodone (commonly known by the brand name Oxycontin) and later heroin while in high school. For several years, Bill fought to get his son clean. At one point, he was even forced to call the police to involuntarily commit his son for his own safety. With Bill by his side, his son would get clean for periods of time, only to relapse after being placed back in a school environment that did not have the supports he needed to stay clean.

In an effort to help his son and other teenagers fighting similar addictions, Bill petitioned the Brockton Public Schools to open a recovery program for students. He then ran for a seat on the School Committee in Brockton and gathered support from local legislators and regional advocates. A partnership was soon formed with the North River Collaborative, and today communities across southeastern Massachusetts have an educational and recovery treatment program that is serving high school students struggling with addiction but committed to recovery.

The Patrick-Murray Administration worked with Senator John Keenan, former Senator Steve Tolman, and the region's legislative delegation to secure a five-year $2.5 million grant through the Department of Public Health to support the opening of Independence Academy. At the school's opening ceremony, the room was filled with elected officials, local supporters, educators, advocates, and students from the state's other recovery schools who traveled to Brockton to give testimony to the importance of the program.

In his remarks that day, Congressman Stephen Lynch reminded the crowd that "our kids" are a treasure who are vulnerable and sometimes make mistakes. As adults, it falls to us to help these young people transcend their mistakes and get on a pathway to recovery. A crucial first step on that pathway is for these "kids" to realize that they are not alone in their struggle and that the broader community embraces and supports them. This was Bill Carpenter's vision, not only for his son who is now doing well, but for every other family in southeastern Massachusetts.

Often the debate around issues of educational policy and funding is divided along urban and suburban lines. However, as Bill Carpenter said, the scourge of addiction has no boundaries, and drug and alcohol abuse does not discriminate by city or town, or even by young or old. Today, thanks to Bill Carpenter's advocacy, the Brockton Public Schools and the North River Collaborative, more young people like Bill's son will find hope and compassion on the road toward recovery, redemption and a better, healthier life.

I felt this story was worth sharing widely, in hopes that we will be more mindful of the issues involved and the power of a single individual's commitment.

Sincerely,

Tim Murray

Jobs and National Security

2012-03-04T13:19:26Z

Massachusetts is home to a thriving defense industry. The active duty military installations now in the Commonwealth have critical national security missions that dovetail with the state's leading research institutions and innovation-based economy. These bases, coupled with businesses in the defense and aerospace industries, support more than 120,000 jobs in the Commonwealth.

Tim Murray is taking a leading role to help promote, protect and expand the missions of these operations, and thereby help maintain good jobs in Massachusetts.

Links:

Tim Murray signs Executive Order creating task force.

A Special Night in Barre

2012-02-14T19:59:39Z

Dear Friends,

Usually I write to discuss policy or political matters, but today I'm taking a different approach. Last Friday night in Barre, Massachusetts, one of the greatest high school basketball games in the state's history took place when the Panthers of Quabbin Regional High School hosted the St. Peter-Marian Guardians of Worcester. I want to share some of what I saw on the basketball court and in the stands that night, because I believe it shows something important about our youth and our communities.

Barre is a town in Central Massachusetts with a population of just over 5,000 people. It's home to the regional middle and high schools which serve the towns of Barre, Hardwick, Hubbardston, Oakham, and New Braintree. St. Peter's is a Catholic middle and high school in Worcester. Heading into Friday night's game the Division 2 Quabbin team was undefeated with a record of 15-0. The Division 1 Guardians were 13-4 and having a strong season in a very competitive league. The game was anticipated to be a good one according to many local high school basketball observers. Both teams are well coached. Dennis Dextradeur is at the helm for Quabbin and Marcus Watson for St. Peter-Marian. Each team has a number of players who have the rare combination of being both physically and mentally tough. Nonetheless, no hoop expert could have anticipated what was about to unfold in the packed gymnasium in the moments before tip-off.

I was lucky to be attending the game with my wife and two daughters to watch my wife's nephew, who plays for the Quabbin team. I was also interested in watching St. Peter's, given their success to date this season and knowing the parents of a number of the players. From the outset, it was a physical and fast moving game. Yes, basketball is a contact sport ! The players on both teams were taking charges and diving for loose balls seconds into the game. At one juncture, Quabbin junior Ryan Wine took an accidental elbow that cut his head and caused him to leave the game temporarily.

Each team was led by their talented guards: Quabbin by Christian Horton who scored 35 points and St. Peter's by Matt Mobley, whose 27 points included a beautiful dunk during the fourth overtime of the game. However, team-play, strong rebounding, and tenacious defense were the hallmarks of the game, epitomized by Colby Milton and Billy Robinson for the Panthers and Steve Flynn and Joe Consolmagno of the Guardians. Additionally, steady senior leadership on both teams anchored their respective squads. Quabbin senior Joe Reed hit last-second three pointers during the first and third overtimes, assisted by fellow guard M.J. Briggs. Tre Watson and Brian Foley powered much of the Guardians offensive punch throughout the game. While the Guardians were perhaps a bigger and more athletic team, Quabbin's execution and spunky play kept them in the game

Throughout the game, there was tremendous energy in the crowded gymnasium, with enthusiastic student cheering sections for both teams. The Quabbin band and cheerleaders were outstanding as well. No doubt this fan support helped carry both teams during the four overtimes. However, as intense and dramatic as this game was, what most impressed me, and I am sure many others in the gym last Friday night, was the tremendous display of sportsmanship throughout the game. Opposing players helped each other up after diving for balls or taking a charge. They gave each other pats on the back after a hard foul and together shook their heads in collective disbelief with grins on their faces as the game kept going into additional overtimes as a result of some last second shot or defensive stop.

The conduct displayed by all players was a credit to the parents, coaches, and administrators of both teams. However, most of the credit goes to the players themselves, who competed ferociously that night but did so with class and composure. Last Friday night, those kids from the several small towns in Central Massachusetts and the city of Worcester gave everyone in the gym a night to remember, and it wasn't about who won or lost the game. What we won't soon forget is the spirit of competition, school pride, and true sportsmanship that united those players, and everyone associated with both schools should be proud.

It was a very special night in Barre last Friday and people will be talking about it for decades.

Sincerely,

Tim

Overview of FY2013 budget

2012-01-29T20:16:00Z

On Wednesday, January 25, Governor Patrick and I released our administration's proposed state budget for the coming fiscal year. I'm writing to share some of the highlights and provide you with a link to more comprehensive information about the budget for your review.

As we have done each year, the governor and I asked our team to craft a balanced budget that reflects the values and priorities of our administration and speaks to the well being of the entire Commonwealth. The budget recognizes the reality that the Massachusetts economy is growing, but hasn't yet fully recovered from the Great Recession.

We have reached a consensus tax revenue estimate for Fiscal Year 2013 that is in the mid range of the experts' projections, and still shows a 4.5 percent increase over this year. That's good news, and part of an encouraging trend, but it doesn't mean we're out of the woods yet. Our projected revenue growth does not cover significant cost increases for healthcare, vital safety-net programs, and other fixed costs across state government.

Given the realities of our fiscal situation, the budget is challenging and we have had to make some tough decisions and cuts in worthy programs. The budget does, however, maintain or modestly increase funding for a range of vital needs. Through this budget, we also continue our ongoing efforts to make government more efficient.

First, our support for cities and towns in this budget is strong. We propose $5.2 billion in local aid to cities and towns, including $4.1 billion for Chapter 70 education aid, which is a $145 million increase over this year's budget. This represents the highest level of state funding for K-12 education in our history. Our plan has every school district in Massachusetts funded at the foundation level.

Furthermore, our budget increases funding to expand school programs in the areas of Science Technology Engineering and Math, the so-called STEM fields, which are important for our children's future and the economic vitality of the Commonwealth.

Our budget increases support for veterans, through a range of programs and local services. Massachusetts has historically been a national leader in veterans' services, and we will continue to do so because we understand that the sacrifices of our veterans and their families are what keep us free. Also, with the aging of our World War II, Korean and Vietnam era veterans, and the needs of the new generation of veterans returning from service in Iraq and Afghanistan, we must make sure that we have the right programs in place to address our veterans' needs, and that all have access to the services they have earned.

There are many other important elements of our plan, which are aligned with our overall goals of helping Massachusetts grow and prosper, while maintaining important social safety-net programs for those who need our help. Our entire budget plan is on-line (click here) and I encourage you to explore it and offer your feedback.

Sincerely,

Tim Murray

Letter to Supporters

2012-01-09T16:09:41Z

Dear Friends,

I want to thank all of you who have expressed your concern and support for me, my wife Tammy and our family, since my serious car accident in November. I am forever grateful that I was uninjured and that no one else was involved or hurt. I have accepted responsibility for the accident and I will pay the fines and reimburse the Commonwealth for the value of the car.

Throughout this matter, I have asked for no special treatment. I wanted the Massachusetts State Police to do their job, as they would in any similar case, and they have. At my request they went beyond normal procedure and released the so-called black box data, which is not ordinarily retrieved in accidents like mine.

I understand that when a public figure is in any kind of accident people want to know how it happened. Unfortunately, false rumors and wild speculation can result even when the details of the matter have been released to the public. Because you have been a friend, I want to give you the background on the accident, so you get the full picture directly from me.

On the night before the accident, I came home from Boston around 8:30 pm., dropped off by my State Police detail. I helped Tammy put our daughters to bed, and I turned in around 11p.m. that night. Around two or three in the morning, I awoke when our five-year-old daughter crawled into bed with us. From that point on, I was unable to get back to sleep. Around quarter of five I gave up trying to sleep and decided to take a drive, get a coffee and a paper and prepare for the day.

This was not my first early morning drive. I've done it often ever since I was Mayor in Worcester. That morning I decided to get on Route 190, which is a few miles from my house. I did so to get a sense of the storm and power damage in the aftermath of the surprise snow storm that had just hit much of the state.

I drove up as far as Route 2, turned around to head back to Worcester, and what I remember next was the vehicle being off the road, the impact of the collision, and the car turning over several times. During this ride I did not meet anyone, or make any phone calls, texts or emails. Also, the black box data showed that the car had been running for 42.5 minutes before the accident, which is consistent with the route I had traveled.

When I got out of the car, there was snow on the ground and ice along the road. I heard the first responders talking about the black ice on the road. The accident happened in a matter of seconds. I was shaken-up, and not really knowing how it occurred, I assumed the ice must have caused the accident. In light of the black box data and police report, my assumption was incorrect. I believe I nodded off while driving and the car ran off the road.

Last Tuesday, after the State Police released the black box data, I called a press conference at the State House. All the major media outlets were there, and I answered their questions. At the end of this letter I have included the full transcript from that press conference, so you can read it for yourself.

This traumatic accident has been a difficult chapter, but I am thankful for the support I've received from so many. Looking ahead, there is a lot of important work still to be done to keep our Commonwealth moving forward during these challenging times, and I will continue to work hard in that regard.

Sincerely,

Tim Murray

TRANSCRIPT: Tim Murray Press Conference

Massachusetts State House, Tuesday, January 03, 2012 - 2:30pm

Q 1: At 108 mph that is really almost reckless driving or driving to endanger. Don't you think you should be cited for that criminally?

A: The speed is frightening to me. As I said, this happened within seconds and I believe, as I said, I fell asleep. As I said from the outset, I will let the State Police do their job and make their findings.

Q 2: With all due respect, it seems like your original version of what happened is now falling apart.

A: Well Mike, this accident happened within seconds and I have never been in an accident like that. I stood before many of you that morning a few hours after what I think is pretty traumatic accident and answered the questions as best as I could and I accept the State Police findings and will take responsibility for those

Q 3: You said you weren't speeding and also that you were wearing a seat belt.

A: As I said, I wasn't totally sure of my speed. I did say I was wearing my seatbelt. My recollection is I was wearing my seatbelt, after I walked away from my accident I certainly thought I was wearing my seatbelt, but again, I am going to accept responsibility.

Q 4: Can the voters trust you anymore after the circumstances of the crash and now this?

A: Well I've been in elected office for 14 years and I think I have had a track record of making good decisions and sometimes tough decisions. Certainly people may have their questions. All I can say is, this is what happened. I am thankful to be alive.

Q 5: Has the data from the breathalyzer test that you said you took at the scene of the accident been made public yet?

A: You will have to ask the State Police.

Q 6: To the best of your recollection has it been made public and if it hasn't, would you like to ask them to make it release that?

A: I don't know if they have released that or if you have asked for it, but I have no problem with that. Again, I want to be respectful of whatever their policies or protocols are.

Q 7: You did not take the breathalyzer at the Barracks or at the Hospital, is that correct?

A: I requested a breathalyzer at the scene, yes.

Q 8: But you didn't go to the Barracks to get the test that would go directly in the case (inaudible)?

A: No, I asked for a breathalyzer at the scene.

Q 9: Why did you say black ice and do you have no recollection of nodding off?

A: I don't. This happened very quickly. I think the data says a matter of seconds. My recollection is that after the car stopped rolling I realized I was okay. I got out of the car, it was snowy conditions, I walked up to the side of the road, there were icy conditions there and as first responders came to the scene they commented on the black ice and warned each other of the slippery conditions, so I assumed that is what caused my accident.

Q 10: Did you receive special preferential treatment in the handling of this case that anyone else in the Commonwealth would not have been treated in the same way?

A: No, throughout this I have asked for no special treatment. I proactively asked for a breathalyzer. Later, I said I am going to let the State Police handle this. When there was a question if this was a public record made by the Secretary of State I asked them to deviate from their normal policies and procedures (and release the information). They ordinarily only access this information when there is a fatality or serious injury, which did not happen here. So I proactively asked for it after the Secretary of State made the preliminary ruling and that information is with you.

Q 11: Is this why you didn't push to have the data released right away?

A: No it isn't. I didn't want to ask the State Police to deviate from a policy that they have had in place for a long period of time. When the question came up about this being a public record I asked that it be released.

Q 12: Are there any cell phone records or email records from the date of the accident?

A: I know that there is a request in with the Chief Legal Counsel and I will let him handle that request but I can tell you I was not on the phone, I was not texting and I was not emailing anybody.

Q 13: (Inaudible - something about storm damage being difficult to see)

A: Listen, you know I had headlights. Being from Western Mass, you understand the magnitude of the Nor'easter that hit the state. You could certainly see limbs down, you could get a sense of the power situation and I guess it was a bad habit of a former mayor going out and taking a look at things.

Q 14: Anything else you would like to get off your chest about the crash?

A: I feel badly that this has happened. It has been a distraction to the work that I do and hopefully we can put this to rest and move forward.

Q 15: You said you weren't texting or emailing, but when the crash first happened you made statements about things that you believed to be the case. Why make these statements when you just said that you weren't sure what happened?

A: I can tell you I was not on the phone, I was not emailing, I was not texting. I know that. I can tell you that. It is not something I ordinarily do in the car while driving and you'll have to take my word for it.

Q 16: Were you really particularly tired when you got behind the wheel that morning and was that a smart decision?

A: In hindsight, it wasn't. But I woke up at some point, for those of you that have kids I have a 5-year-old daughter that at some point crawled into bed. I woke up, couldn't get back to sleep, tried to, then got up and went out.

Q 17: But were you feeling tired when you got behind the wheel?

A: I can't remember specifically.

Q 18: On the issue of falling asleep, we talked to an expert who says accelerating is actually not consistent with falling asleep, so I'm just wondering from your perspective, do you remember falling asleep? What do you remember?

A: As I said, this happened in seconds and as I said I think this is what happened and I am going to take responsibility for it.

Q 19: But do you think that is what happened because the State Police suggested that as a possibility or do you actually believe that is what happened?

A: I believe that is what happened, it's the only explanation.

Q 20: And what do you say about going 108 and not wearing a seatbelt to the citizens of the Commonwealth?

A: As I said, this was an accident, it happened within seconds. I think if you look at the data, the rate of speed for the route that I traveled show that for the majority of that route I was going a reasonable speed. This was an unfortunate accident.

Q 21: Do you normally wear your seatbelt?

A: I normally do and walking away from that accident I assumed that I did.

Q 22: Do you recall if you put on a seatbelt when you got in the car?

A: I believed that I did.

Q 23: Had you been drinking at all, bringing up the breathalyzer question but without the release of that, had you been drinking at all?

A: I had nothing to drink. I took the breathalyzer expecting this question and I assure you that I had nothing to drink.

Q 24: Can you tell us what you were doing the night before and how much sleep you got?

A: I just explained to you, I was home at 8:30, I said I went to bed a few hours after the kids went to bed and woke up at some point.

--end of press conference--

Fighting ALS

2011-07-23T20:48:23Z

Tim Murray recently sent this email to friends and supporters. Based on the response, it is shared here more widely.

Dear Friends,

As you may have seen recently on TV and read in the papers, former Governor Paul Cellucci has been diagnosed with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.

ALS is a devastating disease. There is no cure--at least not today. But hope for a breakthrough treatment is growing, and Gov. Cellucci is stepping forward to support the world-leading ALS research happening right here in Massachusetts.

I was serving on the Worcester City Council when Paul Cellucci became governor. We got to know each other through city affairs, and developed a professional friendship. I appreciated his focus on Central Massachusetts, and we shared the connection that people often do when they are from the same general area. Over time, however, as much as I valued Gov. Cellucci's interest in helping the Worcester area, I came to realize he wasn't just favoring Central Massachusetts. He was working hard to serve all the people, in all corners of our Commonwealth.

Now, he is facing this disease with grace, strength and the sense of public purpose that has always defined Paul Cellucci's character by becoming a public advocate for research in hopes of helping all people who are hit with ALS.

He's launched an ambitious project to support the work of Dr. Robert Brown, chair of the Department of Neurology at UMass Medical School, an internationally known researcher and physician who is among the world's foremost authorities on ALS and similar neurodegenerative diseases. Dr. Brown and the team at UMass have made important breakthroughs in understanding the processes of ALS, and they are hopeful more advances are on the horizon that would, some day, significantly help those afflicted with Lou Gehrig's disease.

No one would have blamed Gov. Cellucci if he had retired from public view, and focused on his health and his family. But that's not what Paul Cellucci is all about. He's a fighter for the common good, and we can help him. UMass Medical School has launched a special website, www.umassals.com that I would urge you to see. On the site you can learn about ALS, the important research ongoing at UMass, and hear directly from Gov. Cellucci, Dr. Brown and others about how you can get involved in the fight against ALS.

Thank you,

Tim Murray

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Tornado Relief

2011-06-03T14:25:38Z

Having witnessed the devastation from the tornadoes first-hand, and talked with so many people in Central and Western Massachusetts who have lost so much, I encourage everyone who was fortunate to be spared from the storms' wrath to make a donation to the Red Cross, which is working in the affected communities helping to feed, shelter, cloth and support the victims.

You can make a $10 donation by texting REDCROSS to 90999. Or you can donate online at www.redcross.org or by calling the American Red Cross of Central and Western Massachusetts at 508-595-3700.

A Story for Mother's Day

2011-05-26T10:05:43Z

On May 6, 2011 Tim Murray sent the following note to his friends and supporters with a story that he wanted to share for the Mother's Day weekend:

Dear Friends,

As you know, from time to time I write to you to discuss various issues or policies we're dealing with at the State House, and to seek your input and advice. This note, however, is something different. With Mother's Day approaching, I wanted to share with you a story about two women whom I recently had the honor of getting to know.

It all started last year, when I received a very moving email from a friend's mother. She wanted to know if I was related to a Tim Murray who had died at the age of three in 1958, and whom she had been told was from Worcester. What followed from that email is a story of a mother's love, a nurse's dedication, and an emotional bond that formed in a fleeting moment of sadness and tragedy, and has lasted for more than 50 years.

In her email, this woman explained to me that in 1958 she was a 19-year-old nursing student at Boston College who was assigned for a month to Boston Children's Hospital on the Jimmy Fund floor for children with cancer. Soon thereafter, young Timmy was admitted to that floor. She fell in love with him, and he responded to her right way.

She would spend as much time with Timmy as she could, given her other duties, and would come to the hospital for extended visits on her days off. She broke hospital protocol and allowed Timmy to call her by her first name, Josephine or "Jo" for short, instead of Nurse Ryan. Timmy couldn't pronounce it exactly right, but would excitedly jump up in his crib/bed and shout "Doe, Doe, Doe" every time he would see her.

Unfortunately, in just 17 days, Timmy succumbed to his cancer. Jo Ryan was at his side, along with Timmy's mother, when he drew his last breath. Jo was devastated, as was Timmy's family. Yet dealing with death is part of a nurse's education--especially those who care for the terminally ill. Jo understood that, and she continued on in her training, but she never completely let go of Timmy.

More than 50 years passed. Nurse Ryan became Mrs. Josephine Sears. She raised six children who brought her and her husband 16 grandchildren. Yet through the years, she would often find herself thinking of Timmy and wondering how his mother had dealt with the loss.

That tugging of emotion prompted her to email me and ask if I could help find out something about Timmy's family. I wrote back and started an extended conversation with Josephine. I wasn't related to young Timmy Murray, so I reached out to Worcester City Clerk David Rushford to see if he could track down a birth or death certificate to give us a lead, but there was nothing on file.

This April, I had the chance to meet Josephine in person near her home in Springfield. Listening to her, and watching her body language as she talked about the experience she'd had, it was clear to me she was still very much affected by Timmy's death and was genuinely concerned about how his family grappled with what is a parent's worst nightmare-- the death of a child. I thought to myself, this was a woman who epitomized her profession and demonstrated a level of empathy that is too uncommon in today's society.

That evening, driving back home to Worcester, I found myself thinking of my conversation with Josephine and whether there was any more I could do to help bring her some answers and a measure of closure to a traumatic experience.

Over the next few days, with the help of Boston City Councilor Maureen Feeney, I learned that little Tim Murray was from Fitchburg and I got his parents names. Digging deeper in Fitchburg, with the help of state Rep. Steve DiNatale, I learned that his mother was still alive.

I got Mrs. Murray's phone number, and with some trepidation I called her, introduced myself, and told her why I was reaching out. To my relief, Mrs. Murray was happy to speak with me. In an incredibly warm and loving way, she also shared with me some stories about her young son that brought him vividly to life. Like how he couldn't say the word "elevator" but would pronounce it "alligator" and would often run down the hall and wait at the "alligator door" for his mother to come back to the hospital.

She said Timmy had been a good and happy boy, even through his illness. Looking back, she took some small measure of solace knowing that her son didn't suffer too long. She related the tragic memory of the day he died, and she remembered the nurse at her side, but she didn't remember her name. I asked Mrs. Murray if I could arrange for her to speak with that nurse, and she said yes.

They spoke for nearly an hour by phone. They shared stories of Timmy, and of each other's lives and families. They had a lot in common. Mrs. Murray had three other children (one who was only 11 months when Timmy died) and now has six grandchildren and six great grandchildren. They'd both made their way in this world, and Mrs. Murray was touched that Josephine had so often thought of Timmy--about the joy he expressed in his brief life, and the hurt of his young death. Josephine was equally touched by Mrs. Murray's gratitude.

Over half a century has passed since these women first met, and their feelings of loss for the young boy they both loved still endure. Yet these two special mothers also teach us, through the example of their lives, that the qualities of empathy, compassion and love also endure.

Sometimes we question what, if any, positive impact we have in our relationships and our careers. Did we touch anyone in a meaningful way? Did we make a difference in someone's life? If we did, will anyone care or remember? I think this story of a boy who died too young, his mother and a 19-year-old nursing student, helps answer these questions for all of us.

I hope this Mother's Day will be a day of remembrance and gratitude, for my family and yours.

Sincerely,

Tim Murray

Focus on Vocational Education

2011-05-10T19:19:20Z

With many vocational/technical high schools excelling in Massachusetts, Tim Murray is focused on expanding access to these programs, so more students can benefit.

A new model for state leadership designed to promote and enhance vocational/technical education was recently announced.

Read More
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Thank You Massachusetts!

2010-11-03T17:26:34Z

Friends,

Election Night was amazing. I am so proud of the commitment that each and every one of our friends, supporters and volunteers made to this campaign.

You believed that Massachusetts is, as the governor says, on the mend and on the move, and I am so humbled by your support.

Over the last four years, we have focused on governing the entire state, and I think that last night's results reflect our commitment to every region in Massachusetts.

As we move ahead, I know there will be some ups and downs, but one thing will never change. I can promise you that Governor Patrick and I will always seek to serve the whole Commonwealth, and that we will work hard, every day, to keep Massachusetts moving forward so that we leave this great state in an even better position for our children and our grandchildren.

The campaign is over, but our work continues, and in that effort, I want to thank you all for your continued support, advice and commitment to our Commonwealth.

I look forward to seeing you soon.

Sincerely,

26 Regional Newspapers Endorse the Patrick-Murray Campaign

2010-10-24T19:18:40Z

Boston - October 29, 2010 - Heading into the final weekend before Election Day, the Patrick-Murray campaign today announced a new roster of endorsements from regional newspapers statewide.

Pointing to the Patrick-Murray administration's strong record on issues that matter to people - from their successful management of the budget during the global economic crisis to landmark reforms of state government to historic investments in education, health care and job creation - the newspapers argue that Governor Patrick and Lieutenant Murray are building a better, stronger Commonwealth and deserve a second term.
]]> THE FOLLOWING PAPERS HAVE ENDORSED THE PATRICK-MURRAY CAMPAIGN:

THE BOSTON GLOBE:

In the Boston Globe, the paper writes, "The best leaders draw strength from the entire community, striving for consensus even as they blaze a new path. Sometimes that journey requires courage; other times, restraint. Patrick has shown both qualities in confronting the worst circumstances any new governor has faced in decades. He deserves the chance to lead the state into better times." Read More.

NORTH ADAMS TRANSCRIPT:

From the North Adams Transcript: "Despite the toughest economic times in memory, Gov. Patrick is upbeat about our state's future, not in small part because of our continued investment in education, in clean technology and in broadband access, as we position ourselves for inevitable recovery. Through these times, he has shown compassion and commitment to the less fortunate among us -- clearly demonstrating he is a governor who cares more about people than about corporations, about public service over private profit. He has our vote. We hope he has yours." Read More.

BAY WINDOWS:

Bay Windows commended the Governor's leadership on LGBT issues, writing, "he always led the way, without error, on civil rights issues important to the LGBT community...The Governor has demonstrated the strong leadership and personal fortitude necessary to defend our rights." Read More.

SOUTH END NEWS:

The South End News highlighted the Governor's successful advocacy for $250 million in "Race to the Top" education funds and support for gay marriage, writing, "Deval Patrick has succeeded in a very difficult time, proving his abilities and showing his priorities." Read More.

SPRINGFIELD REPUBLICAN

In the Springfield Republican, the paper writes, "Unlike other Beacon Hill politicians, Patrick and Murray have been faithful friends to Western Massachusetts. Patrick was instrumental in bringing the $168 million high performance computing center to Holyoke and the $110 million state data center to Springfield - two projects that easily could have gone elsewhere. When he was elected four years ago, he pledged to be governor of the whole state, and he has kept that promise. It's not unusual to find the governor - or his running mate - in our neck of the woods. We can't recall a governor who has been more accessible and approachable to folks in the Pioneer Valley than Patrick." Read More

THE QUINCY PATRIOT LEDGER

In the Patriot Ledger, the paper wrote, " ... his time in office has been marked by sweeping government reforms that vastly improved government efficiency, eradicated reprehensible abuses of state benefits and saved the taxpayers millions of dollars in the process. In most cases, he found a way to succeed where others failed." Read More

THE NEW BEDFORD STANDARD-TIMES

The New Bedford-Standard Times, published its endorsement on the front page of its October 21 edition, writing, "Patrick has been a friend and patron of all of Southeastern Massachusetts, but especially so of Greater New Bedford, where he has formed a close partnership with community leaders that has helped the community weather the worst economic downturn in seven decades and set a course that should lead to economic and cultural renewal." Read More

THE METROWEST DAILY NEWS

The Metrowest Daily News endorsed Governor Patrick, writing, "No governor can turn the economy on a dime, but there's encouraging evidence that Massachusetts is recovering more quickly than the nation. Meanwhile, Patrick has positioned the state for long-term economic growth. His life sciences initiative, while slowed by the recession, has had success. The state is staking a claim on green energy. Patrick's strong support has brought Cape Wind, the nation's first offshore wind energy project, to the verge of construction, and onshore jobs are being created to build it." Read More

BERKSHIRE EAGLE

"The governor aggressively pushed through reform measures that angered entrenched interests. He has taken progressive stands on social issues and advocated strongly for green energy programs that produce jobs and protect the environment. For Berkshire residents, his second home in Richmond has made him a neighbor who understands the strengths and weaknesses unique to the county," wrote the Berkshire Eagle in an endorsement published this morning. Read More

THE DORCHESTER REPORTER

In the October 12 issue of the Dorchester Reporter, the paper wrote, "Deval Patrick has been accessible and present in our communities in a way that no governor has been in recent years. He has walked the streets, greeted families touched by tragedy, and responded swiftly and personally to appeals for help." Read More

BOSTON HAITIAN REPORTER

On October 8, the Boston Haitian Reporter wrote, "Four years ago, this newspaper endorsed the candidacy of Deval Patrick because of what we saw in him: the promise of a transformational leader who would bring change to state government. This month, we endorse his candidacy for a more concrete reason: because he has earned it. Governor Patrick has guided the Commonwealth through the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. He has done it with poise, professionalism and with a sense of purpose that has paid off: Massachusetts' economy is now growing at twice the rate of the rest of the nation. Read More

BOSTON PHOENIX

"When push has come to shove, Patrick has proven himself to be a steely-eyed budget manager. But here is what is truly important: in shrinking the public purse, in cutting programs, Patrick has been guided by humane values. He knows he can not eliminate the pain, but he has striven to minimize it and -- to the best of his ability -- to insulate those most at risk," wrote the Boston Phoenix on October 21. Read More

THE BAY STATE BANNER

In The Bay State Banner's "Governor Patrick: A voice for humanity", the paper says, " Patrick believes that the purpose of government is to provide a better quality of life for all citizens regardless of whether they are poor, working class or more affluent. He has demonstrated his adherence to this point of view with a full commitment to public education reform. Massachusetts finished No. 1 in the federal "Race To The Top." Read More

GATEHOUSE MEDIA COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

In a Gatehouse Media endorsement, published by the Allston-Brighton Tab, Cambridge Chronicle, Dedham Transcript, Newton TAB, Norwood Bulletin and Transcript, Waltham News Tribune, Watertown Tab and Press, the papers wrote, "Patrick is just getting going, just starting to show us what kind of leader he is. He shepherded the long-overdue, money-saving law allowing civilian flaggers at state construction sites. He showed leadership when he abolished the Turnpike Authority, saving millions of dollars, when he passed criminal records reform, and when he passed education reform legislation that allowed Massachusetts to qualify for "Race to the Top" federal funding and wisely lifted the cap on charter schools. Read More

THE PROVIDENCE JOURNAL

The Providence Journal endorsed Governor Patrick and Lieutenant Governor Murray, writing, "Not long after his election, Governor Deval Patrick faced the challenge of steering Massachusetts through the nation's worst economic slump since the Great Depression. He managed with a combination of hard-headedness and compassion, keeping education and clean energy among his priorities. Today, though it remains a work in progress, the Bay State's recovery is outpacing most other states. Governor Patrick deserves a second term." Read More

A number of ethnic media outlets have also endorsed the Patrick-Murray campaign. Read more, in Spanish and Portuguese, from Siglo 21, A Noticias and The Brazilian Times.

Full list of Newspapers Endorsing Governor Patrick and Lieutenant Governor Murray:

Allston-Brighton Tab
A Noticias
The Bay State Banner
Bay Windows
The Berkshire Eagle
The Boston Globe
Boston Haitian Reporter
The Brockton Enterprise
Cambridge Chronicle
Dedham Transcript
The Dorchester Reporter
Harvard Crimson
The Metrowest Daily News
New Bedford Standard-Times
Newton TAB
North Adams Transcript
Norwood Bulletin and Transcript
Quincy Patriot Ledger
The Rainbow Times
Siglo 21
South End News
Springfield Republican
Walpole Times
Waltham News Tribune
Watertown Tab and Press
Wellesley Townsman

Watch Tim's New TV Ad: "People"

2010-10-12T14:39:09Z

Tim Murray launched a new TV ad focusing on the many new jobs and projects created by the Patrick-Murray team that are benefiting people throughout Worcester County.

The ad, titled: "People" begins airing this week on TV in Central Massachusetts, and features people from Worcester County who support the Patrick-Murray investments in the region.

The ad also highlights the Patrick-Murray team's investments in Worcester County that have led to new jobs in the biotech and construction fields, as well as important investments in education and expanded commuter rail options.