“The people of this area have been so good to me and my family, and I see this as an opportunity to give back to the people of St. Croix, Dunn and Pierce counties,” said Murtha, a fourth-generation area resident. “I had never set out to get involved in politics, but my life experiences have led me here and it would be an honor to serve as our next state representative.”

Murtha and his wife Terrie have been married for 32 years and have four children. A small businessman for 25 years, he owns Murtha Sanitation, which provides roll off sanitation boxes to area businesses, homes, contractors and farms.

Murtha is chairman of the town of Eau Galle. He’s perhaps best known for his band “John and Dave, With Trigger Happy,” which has played in communities throughout the area for many years.

He is also involved with the Baldwin-Woodville summer recreation league as a volunteer softball coach and serves as secretary on the finance committee for the United Fire and Rescue District in Hammond, Baldwin and Woodville.

Murtha is a member of the Knights of Columbus and describes himself as “pro-life.”

He said he will put his experience as a small business owner to work both as a candidate and a legislator. He plans to focus his campaign on tax relief, job creation and affordable health care for working families.

“As a town chair, I know what its like to keep local government spending in check, and it’s time for state government to do the same,” said Murtha. “And as a small business owner, I know how difficult it is for working families to afford health insurance these days. Health care costs continue to rise faster than our ability to pay, and I think we can do better.”

Murtha said he supports continued funding for SeniorCare, which helps seniors pay for prescription drugs.

“My mother, Arlys, worked for St. Croix County home heath care, so I know how important it is to take care of seniors and those who need our help,” he said.