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I would like to begin by apologizing for my role in the disruption at Tuesday night’s Select Board meeting. Speaking out of turn was not appropriate, and I regret that moment. My frustration, however, reflects deeper and ongoing concerns about how our Board is functioning.
Residents of Reading deserve Select Board members who are prepared, respectful, and fully engaged in their responsibilities. That includes being present and attentive during meetings, treating fellow board members, residents, town staff, business owners, and volunteers with professionalism, and engaging in thoughtful, civil discourse, even when opinions differ.
Effective leadership requires collaboration, preparation, and a willingness to work constructively through challenges. These are not seasonal expectations tied to election cycles, but year-round responsibilities that residents should be able to rely on. It also means understanding and respecting the role’s boundaries. Select Board members should not engage in behavior that could be perceived as harassing or pressuring town staff, business owners, lessees, or other community members. Maintaining those boundaries is essential to preserving public trust and ensuring that residents and stakeholders feel comfortable engaging with their local government.
Over time, there have been repeated instances where these standards have not been consistently upheld. Disruptions during meetings, escalation of disagreements rather than efforts to resolve them, and interactions that raise concerns about pressure or intimidation all undermine the Board’s effectiveness and erode confidence in town leadership.
It is also important to recognize that everyone makes mistakes. I made one Tuesday night, and I have acknowledged it. Whether it is speaking in frustration, making a comment that goes too far, or sharing information that later proves to be incorrect, these moments happen. What matters most is how we respond. Strong leaders take responsibility, correct the record, and adjust their behavior. When issues persist without accountability or meaningful course correction, they become patterns that cannot be ignored.
As voters consider their choices, I encourage everyone to reflect carefully on the qualities that matter most in our town’s leadership: professionalism, accountability, respect for others, and a consistent commitment to the role’s responsibilities. Based on my experience and observations, I do not believe Karen Herrick has consistently demonstrated these qualities at the level our community deserves. For that reason, I cannot support her candidacy, and I encourage residents to consider candidates who more fully reflect these standards.
I urge all residents to participate in the upcoming election, to stay informed, and to take the time to learn about the candidates, not only what they say, but how they serve.
Our town and everyone who lives and works here deserve thoughtful, respectful, and effective leadership.
We can, and should, do better for Reading.
Thank you,
Melissa Murphy
Van Norden Road
Vice Chair Select Board
Town Meeting Precinct 8 Member
