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As a Reading resident for 45 years, Town Meeting representative for multiple cycles, and an educator in the Reading Public Schools for almost four decades, I am both pleased and honored to to submit this letter of the strongest support for Melissa Murphy – the singular, most qualified, knowledgeable, and experienced candidate seeking election to the Select Board on May 14th.
Melissa is perfectly suited to assume this role, especially at a time when Reading families have witnessed such chaotic and divisive behavior by a few members of the Select Board who consistently retain power by nominating each other to chair and vice-chair, thereby excluding other members. In my interactions with Melissa, I can personally attest that she possesses the competency, aptitude, and ability to provide Reading families with the fairness and balance this Board sorely needs at this critical fiscal juncture.
Recently, at the last Town Meeting on Monday, April 29th, Melissa presented a motion advocating a town-wide forum to bring departments together to inform residents of potential tax increases to fund these major multi-million dollar projects: Killam School, Senior Center, trash/recycling rate increases, and now water rate increases, to name a few. Anxious families in precincts all across Reading are already experiencing rising food and gas prices stretching their household budgets to unsustainable levels. Melissa’s initiative to keep Reading families informed is praiseworthy. The time, effort, and resolve Melissa devoted to this comprehensive endeavor is a shining example of her consideration and dedication to focus on common sense priorities for every resident in this town: children, hard-working adults, and seniors.
Let us all be clear and honest. For Reading to thrive and once again become the respectful community many of us have known and loved, voters must choose a candidate based principally on MERIT, not on political affiliation or any other ulterior motivation.
Reading is indeed fortunate to have just the RIGHT candidate at the RIGHT time – Melissa Murphy. As a resident for 16 years, she already has developed special relationships with the people, the programs, and the day-to-day workings of town government. Melissa’s skills as a paralegal for eight years, her criminal justice related positions, and her proficiency in research and analytics will serve as valuable resources for Board members while they navigate through a series of capital projects and budgetary decisions facing the voters. Melissa’s extensive professional and interpersonal life experiences have uniquely positioned her to be the ideal choice for a seat on the Reading Select Board.
With Reading on the cusp of historic and costly expenditures, the Select Board must have life-experienced members on the Board. Melissa Murphy is the one candidate who possesses the background and the ability to listen to all points of view with an open and independent mind. More importantly, as an advocate for Reading families and seniors, Melissa has the confidence and self-assurance to take prompt and decisive action on day one.
We must not place Reading at risk by seating an inexperienced alternate candidate who is not ready to make complex fiscal decisions, especially those relating to taxation rates affecting our families and seniors. This candidate will likely require time-consuming and extensive training regarding the Board’s policies and procedures under the mentorship of a sitting Board member or perhaps with others who act as coaches to influence and further their political and personal agendas. Reading needs a fair and balanced Select Board with honest and transparent members.
Please join with me in voting for Melissa Murphy – the RIGHT person at the RIGHT time for Reading! Thank you.
Eileen Litterio
Deborah Drive
