Rep. Tom Murt — A Public Servant who Truly Serves the Public

I read through the opinion piece “What I Expect From My State Representative” a few times while I considered all of its assertions. The author of this opinion piece wants a State Representative who fights for laws that will improve our state and who is “working tirelessly” in that pursuit, and I agree that I want the same. It is for that very reason that the rest of the article reads null and void, as it paints Pennsylvania State Representative Thomas Murt as a person who is into “arranging parties” (really?) but interested in nothing more as legislator. In my estimation, this could not be further from reality.

In the interest of full disclosure, I am the daughter of State Representative Thomas Murt and have volunteered my time on several initiatives that he and his staff have spearheaded in the 152nd Legislative District. I am also his constituent, as well as a concerned citizen who exercises her right to vote for both Democrats and Republicans in every election based on their individual merit for the office they seek.

To that end, it is clear to me that the author of this piece has really not taken the time to understand what Representative Murt does on a daily basis, and what he has done for his tenure in office. Taking a photo at a local business is not just a photo — it’s an opportunity to speak with small business owners and understand the challenges they face in this economy. Representative Murt’s legislative record shows his dedication to fair labor practices, and his engagement with local business owners is an extension of his genuine concern for and interest in protecting small business.

Arranging a party (on this vague statement the author does not elaborate, but I assume the author is referring to the Summer Fun Nights held at local parks in the 152nd District, because frankly, there are no other parties happening) is not just about “partying,” but offering constituents a free and easy-access family activity where parents can bring their children to play and enjoy free activities while speaking with their legislator. The added bonus of hosting this event in a local neighborhood park on a summer evening is that constituents can walk there — no need to worry about making it to the District Office during business hours.

Putting in a “shoebox library” (these are actually called Little Free Libraries) in a community area is not just about making an appearance at the local swim club, but promoting the importance of literacy and illustrating to young children how sharing, reusing resources, and caring for community property is paramount to life in our town. In addition to this, Representative Murt runs a book drive year-round and collaborates with his Democratic colleague Representative Donna Bullock to donate books to schools in North Philadelphia. And one final note on that “shoebox library,” I personally watched Representative Murt sand, prime, paint, and finish that project in our driveway over several days. He comes home from work, changes out of a suit and into work clothes, and continues to work for his constituents.

The author even snarks at Representative Murt handing out free muffins at the train station during early morning commute hours to constituents. If you have been the recipient of one of these muffins, you’ll have noticed that attached to each muffin is a flyer with information on how to contact Representative Murt with any legislative questions or concerns. Handing out muffins at 5am at the train station is constituent outreach in a place that is convenient for constituents. Since anyone getting on a train for work at 5am is likely unable to make a visit to the District Office during business hours, Representative Murt instead makes a visit to them to hear their concerns and provide them with his contact information should they wish to continue to follow up. Truly, Representative Murt and his staff are unmatched in their prompt follow-up. If you don’t believe me, feel free to leave a message and see how quickly your call is returned.

However, what really caught my eye is the assertion that Representative Murt’s legislative record is “lackluster.” Now, I’m not sure how the author would define lackluster, but undoubtedly our definitions differ. Representative Murt has authored and fiercely fought for legislation to reform Pennsylvania’s child labor laws,to open the statute of limitations for victims of sexual abuse, to fund and support Pennsylvanians with special needs, to ban the practice of Female Genital Mutilation in Pennsylvania, to hold oil and water corporations accountable for their pollution to our environment, and countless other causes both important to him and to his constituents. As a matter of fact, Representative Murt was described as “one of the most prolific House members. He has sponsored 124 bills and resolutions and co-sponsored more than 1,400 others in the 2015-16 session.” That dedication to producing meaningful legislation has not waned in the subsequent legislative sessions.

To disagree on policy is fine, healthy, and to be expected! But to suggest that Representative Murt is not working hard enough, has not done enough, or does not care enough is just plainly incorrect. He reaches across the aisle so often that they may as well move his desk to the aisle.

If you’re curious to see how uniquely he stands among his peers, just do a quick search of the organizations that have previously endorsed him — AFSCME, the Human Rights Campaign, Equality PA, Conservation Voters of PA, and the National Association of Social Workers to name just a few.

In my assessment, there is not a harder working or more compassionate legislator in the entire state of Pennsylvania.

And the muffins are free, whether you vote for him or not!

Katie Murt is a resident of Hatboro, PA.

Photo credit to Jose F. Moreno, Staff Photographer, Philly.com