George W. Murphy III, a Republican candidate for county commissioner in 1998, has switched his affiliation to the Green Party and has filed his intention to run next year on an environmental platform.
"There are a tremendous number of independents in Carroll County," said Murphy, 53, an instructional assistant at Liberty High School. "If you can get them motivated, you will have a respectable showing in a crowded field."
Because he is not running on the ticket of either major party, Murphy must first gather a minimum of 250 signatures by Aug. 28. Once those signatures are verified, Murphy's name would be placed on the ballot for the Nov. 5 general election.
"The Green Party represents a return to ethics, environmental sanity and an end to the sad political tradition that mixes money with issues," Murphy said. "For a lot of my life, I have been active in both the Republican and Democratic parties and found them to be political machines. My campaign will be about community issues."
Of the three incumbent commissioners, only Julia Walsh Gouge has announced her intention to seek re-election. No other candidates have filed, but many candidates delay announcing until the first of the year, said Patricia K. Matsko, Carroll's elections director.
