[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 105 (Tuesday, July 8, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1119]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING THE LEGACY OF MR. MICHAEL MURPHY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DEREK KILMER

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 8, 2014

  Mr. KILMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Michael 
Murphy, and offer my condolences to his family and friends in light of 
his passing.
   In his time as Grays Harbor County Commissioner and his years at the 
Washington State Auditor's Office he worked tirelessly for the 
community and local governments. His voice and support will be greatly 
missed.
   Murphy graduated from Central Washington University and began his 
public service as a Radarman in the U.S. Navy. After his service he 
came to Washington, DC, and worked as an aide to U.S. Representative 
Don Bonker.
   In 1977, he was elected to the Grays Harbor County Commission where 
he served for 11 years. During his tenure he worked to establish Vance 
Creek Park, the Grays Harbor County Fairground Pavilion, and helped 
preserve Grays Harbor's public forests. Under his leadership Grays 
Harbor became the only county in the state to manage its own tax-title 
timberlands, rather than grant that authority to the state.
   After his time as a county commissioner, Murphy joined the 
Washington State Auditor's Office in 1996, and as Local Government 
Liaison worked closely with local governments who trusted him as a 
result of his excellent reputation and his intimate knowledge with the 
challenges of local government.
   Murphy was an avid outdoorsman and sportsman, and a dedicated public 
servant. He had a passion for his work, for the people he served, and 
for the Pacific Northwest. He served for a time as Chairman of the 
State Liquor Control Board, and helped found what would become Venture 
Bank. As President of the Washington State Association of Counties he 
also advocated on behalf of local governments at the state legislature.
   Mr. Speaker, Washington State and our nation owe a debt of gratitude 
to Michael Murphy for his dedication to serving the needs of those he 
worked for while helping local governments remain effective and 
efficient. His work and his experience left Washington better able to 
provide for its citizens. I am pleased to recognize his service to the 
community and honor his legacy today in the United States Congress.