Dean Murray is the former Republican member of the New York State Assembly, representing the Third District, from 2010 to 2013, and again from 2015 to 2019. The district includes portions of the town of Brookhaven, including Bellport and Mastic Beach, which is why many in the area are already familiar with the enthusiastic entrepreneur who was recently elected to serve in the New York State Senate, after the election in 2022, to represent Senate District 3. Murray currently resides in East Patchogue.

“Most people asked, why did you decide to come back? To do this again when things right now are very contentious with everyone fighting each other,” said Murray regarding the extremely polarizing nature of politics at this time. However—rather than being deterred by the divisiveness—the Republican Murray was inspired to try to bridge the gap he believes is exacerbated by the anonymity that social media engenders.

“Everybody is a keyboard cowboy. They yell and insult. We need more face-to-face interaction and discussion about where we are agreeing and when disagreeing—right now, in Albany, we don’t have that,” said Murray of his first impressions at the state Senate.

Murray isn’t letting this hurdle deter him from why he chose to take on this new role in public office, and criminal justice is at the top of this list. For instance, Murray aims to bring about a more nuanced approach to sentencing, as opposed to a one-size-fits-all solution to complex issues.

“We need to let judges have more flexibility and take past criminal history into account when setting bail. These are district court judges elected by the people. Let them use their discretion. For instance, if two people committed the same crime, and one has a criminal record and the other is a first-time offender, the very radical left in elected office have no interest in compromise. It’s my way or the highway,” he said.

Another issue close to Murray’s heart is an overhaul of business in the area.

“We’ve got to turn around the business environment. We rank last in New York because of taxes, fees, overregulation,” said Murray, who is a small-business owner himself. This gives him a unique vantage point, in contrast to many career politicians.  Murray graduated with honors from the Broadcast Institute of Maryland, and for the next decade was involved in all aspects of radio and television news throughout Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New York. During his tenure, he covered the Pennsylvania state capital for more than 100 radio stations and served on the Board of Directors of the Pennsylvania Associated Press.

Murray came to Long Island, in 1994, to expand his career horizons as an advertising sales rep, and in 1997, took the entrepreneurial chance to start his own advertising agency. For nearly 25 years, his company, D&S Advertising Inc., has published several popular newspapers and websites, including the Long Island Pet Lover, the Long Island Job Finder, and the crime-fighting Long Island Fugitive Finder, the latter two are still active. Through being a successful business owner, Murray was not only able to create multiple jobs, but he also had the intrinsic motivation of knowing that he’s helping people to obtain gainful employment, while also working with law enforcement to keep our towns safe.

The new senator is optimistic that change—while it won’t happen overnight—will result in incremental improvements, if we acknowledge our shared goals and common interests, while respectfully listening to differences of values and opinion, and always seeking a middle ground when possible.

“We’re governing by soundbite. You’re not looking at the details,” said Murray of the myopic state of government today, with the keen eye of one who is both an elected official and someone with an adroit understanding of the media on an industry level. His business acumen, paired with a willingness to reach across the political aisle, are sure to be a welcome addition to our state Senate going forward.