Odell Defends Murphy Endorsement on County Time

Putnam County Executive MaryEllen Odell used county staff and stationery to issue an endorsement of Terrence Murphy for state Senate—and journalist David McKay Wilson called her on it.

Wilson, a veteran writer at The Journal News, knows a lot about Putnam politics: he covered the county government for TJN and even ran for office. He is now a columnist.

Odell’s secretary, Theresa Oliver, distributed the press release by email and then recalled it.

Odell defended the press release to Wilson, saying the line between public duties and politics was a shifting one, specially during election season. Later she told him Oliver had sent it out without her say-so.

The press release was written by Matt Slater, who works for Murphy’s campaign, Odell told Wilson.

Here’s the complete press release:

Standing in front of a vacant office complex which was set to house Tartus Global Relations’ 250 jobs, Putnam County Executive MaryEllen Odell today endorsed Yorktown Councilman Dr. Terrence Murphy for New York’s 40th Senate District.

Said Odell, “This race is crucial for the future of the 40th district and indeed for the future of the Hudson Valley. Dr. Terrence Murphy represents the common sense, traditional values we all hold dearly in Putnam County. He has a stellar record of cutting taxes, job creation and being an advocate for children.”

Odell continued, “Putnam County needs a partner in Albany who has the experience of creating jobs. This building is just another reminder that New York stands as the least friendly state in the nation to do business in. Just ask Tartus Global who now sits a few miles across the border in Connecticut. Terrence will fight for Putnam County’s middle class families by making New York a destination for good paying jobs.”

Dr. Murphy expressed his gratitude, “County Executive Odell’s endorsement means the world to us. She has proven to be an exemplary leader who stands up for Putnam County’s families on a daily basis.”

Read Wilson’s entire post on the Politics on the Hudson blog at lohud.com.