Odell endorses Murphy from county exec office then pulls it back

Putnam County Executive MaryEllen Odell used taxpayer-financed resources to send out a political endorsement press release from her Carmel office.

Odell's name and office phone number were listed as the contact atop the release.

Through her confidential secretary's email address, Odell's press release was headlined:

"Putnam County Executive MaryEllen Odell Endorses Dr. Terrence Murphy for New York State Senate's 40th District."

The press release was posted on Murphy's campaign website Friday. He faces former Assemblyman Robert Castelli in a Sept. 9 Republican primary. The winner will face Democrat Justin Wagner of Croton-on-Hudson in November.

When contacted, Odell, a Carmel Republican, said she saw no problem with sending out a political press release from her taxpayer-funded office.

"I don't see it that way," she said. "It was an economic development initiative. The county hasn't had its fair share of opportunities, and we believe we will have a good opportunity to get a voice in Albany with a strong message, so we can get our share of tax dollars to promote economic growth."

Theresa Oliver issued a recall notice on the press release to the media a few minutes after Odell was questioned by The Journal News.

Wagner said Odell and Murphy owed their constituents an apology.

"If we really want to reduce our property taxes, we should stop having government staff doing political work on the taxpayer's dime," he said.

County Legislator Sam Oliverio, D-Putnam Valley, who will face Odell in November, said Odell was criticized in June for putting her name atop a poster for the county fair at Tilly Foster Farm.

"This is not a surprise," said Oliverio. "The county executive has a history of misuse of her office for political gain."

When asked where she drew the line between her public duties and politics, Odell said that depends on the situation.

She said the endorsement press release was written by Matt Slater, who works for Murphy's campaign.

"It's subjective, that line," she said. "I've been watching that line move for the past several months. My line always is to make sure what's best for the taxpayers. My line is firm. I'm standing here on the third floor. I get things done."

Odell later called back, after speaking with Oliver.

"She sent it out in error, and then pulled it back," said Odell. "I didn't authorize or instruct it. She did it by mistake, and she apologizes for her mistake."

Murphy spokesman T.J. McCormack said the Murphy campaign remained grateful for Odell's endorsement.

Said McCormack: "There was a mistake, and if she owns the mistake, we are not going to condemn her staff for making a mistake."