[The following candidacy statement is for the Reading Special Election of May 14, 2024]
Dear Reading Voters,
My name is Melissa Murphy, and I am excited to announce that I am running for the vacant Select Board seat in the May 14th special election. As 16-year Reading residents, my husband, Brian and I have enjoyed raising our four children in this incredible community. While balancing raising our children, I have volunteered my time and energy to improve our town and schools whenever possible. When the kids were younger, I spent six years on the Wood End PTO and served as a Wood End School Council member. As a four-year Town Meeting member and a frequent observer of town boards and committees, I have witnessed volunteers work tirelessly to improve our community. It is inspiring! I hope to earn your vote to work just as hard for our residents.
As a select board candidate, my key priorities are:
- Prioritizing responsible and reasonable spending as we navigate the potential for multiple, simultaneous large debt exclusions on the horizon (Killam, senior/intergenerational center, Symonds Way)
- Advocating for and helping shape Reading’s responses to multiple state mandates and initiatives in a way that optimizes benefits to residents while minimizing any negative impact and cost. This includes known mandates like MBTA communities and tiered water rates, as well as ongoing initiatives such as Green Communities, the Community Preservation Act, local option taxes, Net Zero, etc.
- Restoring balance and moderation to our Select Board with common sense thinking and a willingness to listen and compromise. My experience as both a professional and a mother of four active children ranging in age from 10 to 15 has honed my leadership skills in conflict resolution, communication and problem solving. All will be required to move this Select Board forward.
I believe my experience as an elected Town Meeting member, my prior legal work experience, my 16 years as an active Reading resident, as well my experience as a Reading parent have all prepared me well to be a strong, positive Select Board member. These skills include an exceptional aptitude for listening and a solid background in researching and analyzing complicated issues. I believe that driving to the root of issues, evaluating resolution options, and communicating the impacts transparently will be the key to my success in this role. My energy, drive, and devotion is to make Reading the best community for my family and yours.
After following town boards for many years, I have seen how boards operate when they are successful and working for residents…as well as witnessed how towns struggle when they are sub-par. Residents and businesses must be included when significant changes are proposed and/or implemented. They need to have a voice. If given the chance, I will dedicate my time, energy, and effort to making Reading a community where we all can grow, thrive, and unite in doing what is best for our residents. My decision-making will always be guided by my belief that I want to improve the lives of all Reading residents while maintaining the strength of our community, including ensuring that we are a welcoming place for all. 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 so that I can earn your support.
I am asking for your vote on May 14th!!
For more information, please check out my website, www.MelissaForReading.com, or my Facebook page at www.facebook.com/melissaforreading.
