April 15, 2003

County Commissioner of Public Works Appointed

Poughkeepsie... Dutchess County Executive William R. Steinhaus is pleased to announce his selection of Michael P. Murphy to fill the currently vacant position of Dutchess County Commissioner of Public Works. Mr. Murphy’s appointment is effective Monday, April 21. Murphy, 51, resides in the city of Poughkeepsie with his wife Patricia.

Steinhaus stated, “Mike Murphy is known to many in county government and brings with him years of proven management experience, including a previous tenure with Dutchess County government. Mike is regarded as a skilled professional, and I look forward to working with him on the many public works duties and challenges before us.”

Most recently, Murphy was the Village Manager in Port Chester, New York for four years. Locally, he also served eight years for city of Poughkeepsie government both as Superintendent of Public Works and as City Administrator under present city Mayor Colette Lafuente.

“I appreciate County Executive Steinhaus’ confidence and am pleased to be joining his management team. Returning to my home county and to the workplace where my public service career essentially began is truly exhilarating, and I am anxious to roll up my sleeves and get started,” Murphy said.

The Commissioner of Public Works is responsible for the administration of a $15 million budget and the supervision of 214 employees. The Public Works Department includes five divisions: Buildings; Highway; Engineering; Parks; and the Airport. The position became vacant December 31, 2002 with the retirement of former Commissioner Paul Cassillo.

As is required by the Dutchess County Charter, a resolution to confirm Mr. Murphy’s appointment as Commissioner of Public Works has been forwarded to the County Legislature.


 

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