Grand Island: McMurray won't seek re-election

Town of Grand Island Supervisor Nathan McMurray on Monday announced he will not seek re-election.

Early in the afternoon, McMurray tweeted, “I have decided not to run for re-election on Grand Island. I love it. But I can’t commit to 4 more years. I have other things I want to work on in the years to come.”

Shortly thereafter, he released a press release that read, in part, “I love Grand Island. And though I never imagined a life in politics, the last three years serving this town has changed my life. But it has also made me realize that we need better leadership in Western New York. There are some bad people out there and some things I want to fight for that make it impossible for me to commit to Grand Island for four more years.

“Therefore, with much sadness, I must announce I will finish my term as supervisor and pursue other paths to serving beyond my hometown.”

The letter concluded, “There are several candidates seeking this office and I will make a decision on who to endorse in the next few weeks, but I am excited about the talents and abilities of those who seek to take my place, and encouraged that the future of Grand Island will be in good hands.

“May we continue to strive to lead. And may Grand Island always remain a greenhaven between Buffalo and Niagara Falls. Again, I love this place.”

McMurray also tweeted, “How I feel about deciding to not run for Supervisor again. I mean, it’s a thankless job. But I love it. I’m so proud. I just feel there are other goals to accomplish over the next four years.”

He later tweeted, “THANK YOU BUT... I went to watch the HS basketball game. A few people shared kind words. Then I looked at my phone—IT’S MELTING with message overload. Listen everyone, thank you. I loved being Supervisor, but I’m not going to disappear—just getting started. Bad guys take note!”

The outgoing supervisor, a Democrat, challenged incumbent Republican Congressman Chris Collins last fall. He was narrowly defeated in the election. He conceded the race for the NY-27 congressional seat at the end of November.

McMurray was elected supervisor in 2015.