‘Full plate,’ including county commission seat, college, just the way Murray likes it
As a full-time student at the University of North Alabama with a part-time job and the Franklin County District One Commissioner, Grayson Murray’s plate is pretty full these days.
And he’s been campaigning for the past six months or so as he seeks election to complete the six-year term his father Michael serving before his death last May.
Don’t worry, though, about his full plate. That’s just how Murray likes it.
“I finished last semester with a 4.0 GPA on the President’s List, and I’ve attended all (Franklin County Commission) meetings and work sessions since I was appointed,” Murray said.
“I do my best when I’m busy. When I’m idle I don’t know what to do with myself,” he added.
Murray was the second place finisher in the May 19th Republican Primary for the final two years of the Franklin County Commission District One term. With five candidates running, a runoff seemed likely, and that’s just what happened, which means four more weeks of campaigning for Murray and his runoff opponent Curtis Baker.
No candidate received a majority of votes, so the top two finishers moved on to what will be the only local runoff on the June 16th ballot.
When Murray had his interview for the District One Commission appointment with Gov. Kay Ivey’s staff last year, he made them aware he was a full-time college student but was confident he could balance the time to serve on the county commission.
Murray said penchant for hard work and public service came from his father, something he saw first hand in the 2024 campaign.
“When dad ran, people asked him why he was running when he worked two jobs already,” Murray explained.
“He said ‘I think I can do some good for the people of Franklin County and he was passionate about that. He just loved people. That love was genuine and that’s where I got it from,” Grayson added.
As for the extra month of politicking, Murray continues to enjoy meeting new people across Franklin County, but campaigning isn’t his favorite pastime.
“I’m not sure if anyone really enjoys campaigning, voters and candidates alike, but it’s just got to be done,” Murray said.
“With five people in my race, I knew it would go an additional month. People have been supportive and great, though. It’s been a tough few months, with a lot of work and a lot of labor, but that’s okay,” he added.
Murray said the number one request from voters across Franklin County is to see a School Resource Officer in every Franklin County school. And Murray’s on board with getting that done.
“I’ve heard that a lot, especially in East Franklin. I’m an education guy, so it’s definitely something I’m looking into the next time our budget comes up. I’m a big supporter of safe schools and safe kids,” Murray said.
Murray is one year away from earning his Education degree. He wants to return to Franklin County to teach after graduation.
The 21-year-old Murray knew people would have questions about his age, but when he talks with voters, Murray said, he’s been able to satisfy those concerns based on how he presents himself.
“My age isn’t really reflective of how I act and present myself. That’s the case with a lot of young people and I think young people sometimes get a bad rap just based on their age,” Murray said.
“Everybody wants our young people to stay in Franklin County after graduation, but they have to have opportunities available to them in order to stay home and that’s something I’m working for every day,” he added.