Senator Dean Murray’s mobile office made a stop in Center Moriches to hear what’s on the minds of local residents. From the tax burden on seniors to affordable housing for young families to requiring helmets for e-bike riders, the senator fielded a wide range of concerns.
“I heard the residents on a number of topics and even picked up a few good ideas for legislation,” Murray said, referring to the e-bike suggestion. “With the popularity of these vehicles, it makes sense to help keep people safe.”
A Yaphank resident used his time with the senator to get to the bottom of the affordable housing crisis. “Corporations are buying everything in sight and driving up prices. I feel sorry for the younger generations. They can’t afford to live here,” he told Murray. “Taxes are so high, insurance costs are high, utilities—it’s no wonder New York leads the nation in outmigration.”
Manorville resident T.S. echoed the problem of high taxes. “I’m 70 years old; I have no kids in school. I think I’ve paid enough in taxes,” she said, noting that her property taxes went from $2,000 in 1989 to $12,000 today, the majority being school taxes. “This is way too much. Our elected officials have to make cutting taxes their number one priority.”
Senator Murray holds about a dozen mobile office sessions at district libraries throughout the year. “I like to go one-on-one with the residents,” he said. “This is better than hosting larger town hall sessions.”
One woman came to the library seeking the senator’s help in canceling $20,000 in tolls from a thief who figured out how to use her license plate. “Somehow, her plate became a ghost plate—it showed up on a car that wasn’t hers,” Murray said. “We’ll work with her to get these fines eliminated.”