Cost of being Murray

There are few politicians in the state raising money as fast as Lieutenant Governor and former Mayor Tim Murray these days. In June alone, Murray brought in over $61,000. But he’s also proven to be a fast spender. During the same month, Murray had just over $52,000 in expenses. So where does $50,000+ in one month go? Murray’s largest single expense was $5,053.31 for mileage to the Commonwealth; his next was $4,500 for consultant Kellie O’Neill. Consultants Taylor Harris Communications also took in $2,500. Murray paid $2,900 to Moody Street Pictures, the company behind locally-based The Legend of Lucy Keyes, for video production. There was $7,812 combined to Quick Stop printing for printing and mailing costs, and $1,643 to a T-shirt company. And at least 8 staffers or interns appear on Murray’s expense list for payroll/intern pay. Murray’s most expensive event in June? $1,451.40 on food at the Atlantic Beer Garden in Boston.

Hoover finds a home

Former Worcester City Manager Tom Hoover has been on a serious job hunt for months now, dating back to before he left his position at the helm of Royal Oaks, Michigan. The search was centered mostly in Florida, where Hoover was named as a finalist for a few jobs before losing out to other candidates in each case. Now, he’s landed on his feet, albeit someplace a lot cooler—and closer. Coventry, Rhode Island, a town of about 34,000, hired Hoover at the end of June on a 3-0 vote by the town council.