The following candidacy statement is for the local Reading Election of April 4, 2023
Dear Reading Voters,
My name is Melissa Murphy, and I am happy to announce my candidacy for the Reading Select Board. My prior work experience has given me a strong background in researching and analyzing complicated issues and the ability to communicate the impacts of such; in addition, my energy, drive, and devotion to making Reading the best place for my family and yours will allow me to be an extremely valuable member of the Select Board.
My husband, Brian, and I moved to Reading in 2008. We chose Reading with the goal of having a large family and establishing roots in a Northshore, well-developed, and centrally located community. Upon our search, we realized Reading was the place. It has easy access to Boston and is an extremely safe community where we could bring up our children near friends and family. Reading has been the ideal place for us to raise our four children, Isabelle (14), Elizabeth (12), Annaliese (10) & Thomas (9), in the same house since 2008.
As a Reading resident for the past 15 years, I have made many connections and relationships. While balancing raising our four children, I have volunteered my time and energy to improve our town and schools as much as possible. Starting as a board member for Connect the Tots and continuing as a five-year board member of the Wood End PTO, a member of the Wood End School Council, and now, a Town Meeting member. In my time volunteering in many different capacities, I have learned a lot. Most importantly, it has been gratifying to see the difference that can be made when people come together.
My strong background affords me the skills necessary to serve as a member of the Reading Select Board. I have a degree in criminal justice from Northeastern University. I worked for eight years as a paralegal at a prominent Boston law firm specializing in plaintiff civil and complex tort litigation. In 2012, I conscientiously made the decision to step back from this career to focus on raising our growing family and, at that time, immediately dove into the Reading Community happenings.
I have four key priorities as a Select Board Member candidate:
- Prioritize responsible and reasonable spending
- Promote policies and initiatives that support and benefit our small businesses and small business owners
- Improve support, communication, and public services for all residents, especially our senior citizens
- Minimize the divide in Reading through inclusive dialogue, enhanced communication, and open-minded exchanges
I promise to dedicate my time, energy, and effort to making Reading a community we all can grow, thrive and connect in. My decision-making will always be guided by my belief that I want to improve the lives of all Reading residents while continuing to maintain the strength of our community. I will always have an open line of communication with all residents. I welcome and strongly encourage residents to contact me with questions and/or concerns to earn your support.
Please join me for my campaign kick-off on February 28 at Bunratty’s starting at 7 pm. For more information, please check out my website or my Facebook page.
