Kingston Selectman Tammy Murray announced her resignation from the Board.
Murray posted a statement from her Facebook account over the weekend, saying in part that while she did not want to disappoint all of the people who voted for her, but the level of “immaturity and unprofessionalism” was more than she was willing to maintain involvement in.
Murray has a term that expires in 2021 and was not on the ballot for the upcoming town election.
“I felt stifled and silenced, and that I couldn’t make a difference. Whenever I tried to make a difference, it was met with opposition,” Murray said to WATD. “I think two weeks ago, I decided to take a little break. I stepped back from my emails, I still texted department heads and other people who reached out.”
After Murray went back and watched a prior meeting, she felt it was time to move on.
She considered waiting until the upcoming Town Election, but felt that things would become more hostile after. Murray wants to focus on her full-time job and her family.
“I just realized that it wasn’t for me anymore,” said Murray. “I needed to focus my talents on something more positive, and something that will bring results.”
Murray says this decision is something that has been a long time coming. She considered resigning on six occasions during her term.
“I just want to thank all of the people that supported me and voted for me a couple of years ago,” said Murray. “I know it’s a disappointment to some. I’ve gotten a lot of support and encouragement from others. It just wasn’t something that I took lightly. It took a lot of thought.”
Murray still wants to remain involved in town, but feels she can have a better impact not on the Board of Selectmen.
There are two contested Selectmen seats for the Town Election – set for June 27th.
Sandy MacFarlane and Jess Kramer have terms that expire in 2020. A recall election is also on that ballot for Selectman Chair Joshua Warren and Vice-Chair Elaine Fiore.
