Triggered by the resignation of President Robert Travaglini (D-East Boston), who stepped down to pursue a private sector career, the forty-member Senate unanimously elected six-term Plymouth Democrat Therese Murray president.Murray, who is no stranger to our Association, has chaired the powerful Senate Committee on Ways and Means for the past four years. Previously, she chaired the Committee on Human Services and Elder Affairs.

A strong defender of our defined benefit pension system and of quality healthcare, Murray has long played a critical role in issues impacting public retirees. RShe has always been accessible to our Association and has a keen interest in our issues,S said Association President Ralph White.

RWhile some in the press have mislabeled Terry Murray as a liberal, that is not at all how she is viewed by her constituents back home,S explained Association Legislative Liaison Shawn Duhamel, who is a Plymouth resident. RSenator Murray is known as a straight shooter and for her interest in policy detail. When you approach her, you better be prepared with the facts.S

Upon assuming the presidency, Murray named Senator Steven Panagiotakos (D-Lowell) as her replacement to chair the Committee on Ways and Means. Panagiotakos, who had previously served as the committeeUs vice chairman, was the lead sponsor of the recently passed disability veterans bonus law.

RSteve Panagiotakos is a proven advocate for public retirees. He comes from a blue-collar city and has a good sense for the concerns of our members. Our Association has worked closely with him and his staff in the past and are looking forward to continuing our good relationship,S added White.

During his four years as President, Bob Travaglini established a reputation of openness within the ranks of the Senate membership. He worked in harmony with House Speaker Sal DiMasi in shepherding a number of meaningful initiatives, without attempting to develop the image of a power figure.