By Michelle Murdock, Contributing Writer
Grafton – With just a few months on the job as the newly elected state representative for the Ninth Worcester District, Representative David Muradian, R-Grafton, is already hard at work.
“Although I had an idea as to what to expect from working for Representative George Peterson over the last seven years, my first couple of months have been an extremely hectic time,” Muradian said. “From the swearing in on Jan. 7, we had just over a week to research, draft and file our legislation. The next two weeks were filled with emails and requests to review the over 5,000 pieces of legislation that were filed. Combining that with the unprecedented weather that we have experienced, causing many delays and postponements of meetings, leads to a very busy first two months. That being said, I absolutely love the job and every day am honored and humbled to have earned this opportunity.”
Muradian is a Grafton resident, a graduate of Worcester State University, and for seven years was former State Representative George Peterson’s legislative aid.
While only taking over the position in November, Muradian is not new with regard to the issues facing the residents of Grafton, Northbridge and Upton.
“I pride my office on continuing the excellent constituent service that our communities have come to expect,” Muradian said. “Advocating for increased local aid, supporting our public safety personnel and our schools, and protecting our Second Amendment rights are top priorities of mine. Fighting for our seniors is also a major priority, and out of the 13 bills that I filed this season, you will see that there are bills proposed to accomplish each.”
In a recent press release from the State House, it was announced that Rep. Muradian has been named as the Ranking Minority Member of the Joint Committee on Higher Education, and the Assistant Ranking Minority Member of the Joint Committee on Transportation. The Grafton representative will also serve as a member of the House Committee on Personnel and Administration.
“Representative Muradian came into office with a wealth of knowledge about the legislative process, having worked for years as an aide to former Representative George Peterson,” stated House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones Jr. “His predecessor did a tremendous job representing the residents of the Ninth Worcester District, and I am confident Representative Muradian will carry on that tradition as he assumes his new committee responsibilities.”
Muradian said he was pleased with his committee assignments.
“I look forward to working with my colleagues to tackle the many issues of concern to my constituents in the areas of higher education and transportation during the upcoming legislative session,” he said. “I think it will be especially important to be a strong voice on the Transportation Committee standing up for our district, as we know firsthand the difficulties that the Commuter Rail has endured due to the recent weather.”
Muradian has also been appointed to a special commission that will look at ways to remove barriers to economic development in edge communities. He will join fellow legislators, municipal officials and representatives from a variety of planning, transit and development agencies on the 27-member 495/MetroWest Suburban Edge Community Commission. The special commission defines edge communities as any municipality with a population of not more than 35,000 that is not adjacent to a gateway municipality. Gateway communities are defined in statute as municipalities with populations greater than 35,000 and less than 250,000 with a median household income below the state average and a rate of educational attainment of a bachelor’s degree or above that is below the state’s average.
“I am honored to have been appointed to this special commission by Minority Leader Brad Jones,” Muradian noted. “As a lifelong resident of the Blackstone Valley, I am deeply committed to the communities I serve, and look forward to working with my colleagues to find ways to promote enhanced economic development through my district and around the state.”
When asked how he feels about filling Peterson’s shoes, Muradian said he is doing all that he can to assure communities he represents that they have made an excellent choice in electing him.
“I have prided myself on being as honest and compassionate as Representative Peterson was, and I will never forget the communities who have put their trust in me,” said Muradian. “As I said before, I am truly honored to have earned this opportunity. The district has come to expect a full-time State Representative, and I am proud to say that I am committed to our district and our people.”
Representative Muradian’s State House profile can be found at https://malegislature.gov/People/Profile/DKM1. He also has a Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/muradian4rep.