Tim Murray Resigns from Worcester Regional Research Bureau Board Over Timing Concerns
By-Hank Stolz
Photo- Radio Worcester
WORCESTER, MA– Tim Murray, President and CEO of the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce and a former Mayor and Lt. Governor, discussed his decision to resign from the board of directors of the Worcester Regional Research Bureau.
Murray emphasized that his resignation was not a criticism of the bureau’s work or its executive director, Paul Matthews. Instead, he cited two key concerns. The first was the timing of the bureau’s recent report recommending the creation of a civilian police review board — a politically sensitive proposal released just three weeks before a city election. Murray argued that such timing undermines the opportunity for thoughtful, reflective public discourse and pressures both the City Manager and political candidates to respond hastily to a complex issue.
His second concern focused on the structure of the bureau’s governing body. Murray noted that the “board of directors” functions more as a group of financial supporters rather than an active decision-making body, suggesting the title “corporator” or “supporter” would be more accurate.
Despite stepping down, Murray reaffirmed that both he and the Chamber of Commerce remain strong supporters of the Research Bureau’s mission and the work it produces.
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