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I was once like many of you reading this. I’d drive through downtown, see people holding signs in the rain, and beep and wave. All the while, I was hoping the light didn’t turn red and I’d get stuck for a couple of minutes. I’d see signs popping up in neighbors’ lawns or snowbanks, thinking to myself “so and so has a plethora of signs, they clearly don’t need my vote.” I never realized how very wrong I was. Local elections matter! In fact, they are critical on so many levels.
I ran back in 2021 without anybody knowing my name and without having any (town government) experience. I ran a campaign on being a father, a local small business owner, and demonstrating a commonsense solutions approach to issues that arise. Every time I drop my youngest daughter off at daycare, I walk past the bench I borrowed from her school to film my “Haley for Reading” Rocky video. It’s a daily reminder for me to do what I believe is the right thing for our town. Thank you for placing your trust in me and I am truly grateful for the opportunity to represent you. While I am not running this year (unless you live in Precinct 7), I will continue for as long as you have me.
Rather than endorsing a candidate, I would like to advocate for a board of 5 volunteers that I know will:
- Work together as a group with diverse viewpoints.
- Work together in supporting our town staff, town manager, and volunteers.
- Work together while listening to and encouraging each other’s opinions and input.
- Work together and validate other people’s contributions.
- Work together for all 26,000+ residents and businesses.
That future board consists of Carlo Bacci, Melissa Murphy, Jackie McCarthy, Mark Dockser, and Christopher Haley. I firmly believe that each volunteer mentioned understands and respects that no singular viewpoint is more important than the others. That no member will attempt to silence the voice of others. That no member will take credit for the board’s work. That no member will make decisions for the rest. That all five members are equal and when we make a decision, we make a decision.
It is my hope to see a unified Select Board in April. With your help Reading, I know we will get there.
Please join me in early voting from March 27-30th at Town Hall or on April 4th at Reading Memorial High School Hawkes Field House.
Together, we will move Reading forward.
Christopher Haley
Tennyson Road
