Patch Candidate Profile: Scott Murphy, Madison Board of Selectmen

MADISON, CT —As the 2023 municipal elections get closer in Madison, there are plenty of races with candidates eager to serve in elected office.

Madison Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will publish candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.

Scott Murphy, 54, is running for a seat on the Board of Selectmen in Madison as a Democratic candidate.

Murphy has a B.A. in Psychology from Connecticut College and is working as the chief of staff for sustainability services at Accenture, where he’s been for 31 years.

Murphy’s family includes his wife Wendy, his son Andrew and two daughters Abby and Jessica.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

Cousin is Senator Chris Murphy.

Have you ever held a public office, whether appointive or elective?

Selectman for the past 7 years. Selectman liaison to the Board of Education, Capital Improvement Committee, Madison Youth and Family Services, Madison Ambulance Associate, Madison Library Board of Trustees and the Library Building Committee. Vice Chair of the Madison Park Development Commission for three years (Salt Meadow Park, formerly Griswold Airport) Chairman of the Fields Advisory Committee.

Why are you seeking this office?

I feel it is important to actively engage in your community. Service is a part of who I am.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ___ and this is what I intend to do about it.

Create an integrated, actionable strategic and capital plan that represents both the long and short term interests of the community and facilitates coordination across all aspects of town government. This will ultimately ensure much needed collaboration by elected officials, as well as drive more thoughtful, efficient decision making.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I am an approachable leader, a positive public voice, and an active collaborator who is invested in making the best decisions for the Town of Madison. I am not interested in playing politics. I will bring my experience in program management, communications and strategic planning to ensure transparency and accountability are available for everyone in Madison. It is important to drive accountability for decisions and work efforts, to ensure a job was done as expected. Communication is paramount to the success of all efforts - we can never communicate enough with each other and to the public.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

Invest in Madison’s resources (our schools and beaches) so that people will want to move and stay here. Ensure our beaches are safe for all citizens. - Listen to your ideas to ensure that future plans are in line with the town’s expectations and communicate more to you about plans and progress. - Create real, meaningful economic development that fits within our town identity.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

Worked with the town to improve fields as President of Madison Little League. Designed salt meadow park. Passed responsible town budget each year I have been seated. Work collaboratively on Capital Improvement Plan (members from 3 elected boards). Advocated for more public participation for Beach pass system, school building committees, facility committee, Academy School, and other ad hoc committees. Updated the town charter (last considered in 2013) to better reflect policies, statutes, and current situation. Fought to pass new school referendum. Advocated to pass Academy community center - dormant building for 20 years. Focused on coastal resiliency and a responsible plan for flood plain ordinance. Sold Island Avenue School to OLMP.

I communicate with the public a lot.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Be authentic, fight for what you believe in and focus on solving town challenges - recognize that a difference of opinion is not always political - its just a difference in opinion.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I deeply care about this town and I take this role very seriously. I want to focus on solving town challenges and not playing politics. I want to get things done that matter to you and not just to a select few!!

Does your campaign have a website?

www.madisondemocrats.com.