House Republican Press Release

May 19, 2008

Press Office: 860-240-8700

REP. FREY COMMENDS APPOINTMENT OF RIDGEFIELD RESIDENT CONNOR MURPHY TO STATE METRO-NORTH RAIL COUNCIL

Connor Murphy of Ridgefield was recently appointed to serve on the Connecticut Metro-North Rail Commuter Council.  Mr. Murphy is succeeding Mr. Edward Zimmerman of New Canaan whose term expired. Mr. Murphy’s term is effective immediately, and is for a period of four years, concluding June 30^th, 2012. Mr. Murphy was appointed by House Minority Leader Larry Cafero of Norwalk at the urging of Representative Frey.

A resident of Ridgefield, Connor is a 1994 graduate of the University of Notre Dame and earned his law degree from St. John’s University in New York. Connor is currently the Director of Business Development for Navigant Consulting Inc., a specialized, international consulting firm assisting companies and their legal counsel in enhancing stakeholder value, improving operations, and addressing conflict, performance and risk related challenges related to litigation or substantial regulatory and structural change.  Prior to working with Navigant Consulting Inc., Connor was General Manager for Sales and Marketing for The Washington Post Companies, Vice-President of School Solutions, Inc., and Counsel for the law firm Condon and Forsyth, LLP in Manhattan. Connor and his family live on Silver Hill Road.

The Metro-North Commuter Council was formed by the Connecticut State Legislature and is made up of commuters. The Council acts as a consumer liaison between riders and the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CDOT), Metro-North, and Shore Line East railroads and advises the legislature regarding commuter issues.  

They hold monthly meetings (except summer) in Stamford and in communities along the Connecticut Metro-North lines. Meetings are open to the public and representatives from Metro-North and CDOT attend. In addition, the Council responds to commuter letters, e-mails and telephone calls, and accepts invitations to meet with civic groups and organizations to discuss the Council's work and how commuter rail service can affect your community.  

Representative Frey said, “I am very pleased with Connor’s appointment to the Commuter Council. Increasing rail service is key, if we are to do anything meaningful with improving mass transit -- and that includes the Danbury Branch Line.  Service on the Danbury Line has been problematic over the years and has been the subject of several studies.  Having a local individual who can serve on the Council and act as my eyes and ears is invaluable.”

Representative Frey said that he couldn’t recall a Ridgefield citizen serving on the Commuter Council in recent years.

Connor Murphy said, “I appreciate the opportunity to serve on the council and to help address the issues specific to the Danbury Branch line."

For those residents who have an interest in serving on a state board or commission, they’re opportunities remaining.  Please either call or email me for more information," Rep. Frey added.  He can be reached at (800) 842-1423.

Rep. Frey, House Minority Whip, serves the 111^th Assembly District of Ridgefield in the state House of Representatives.