Reading Candidate Profile: Melissa Lee Murphy For Select Board

READING, MA — The Town of Reading's Annual Town Election is on April 4.

The offices on the ballot for this election are: Moderator, Select Board, Board of Library Trustees, Municipal Light Board, School Committee and Town Meeting Members.

A sample ballot is available online.

Here is some more information about the upcoming election.

Patch is profiling some of the candidates. Here, we learn more about Melissa Lee Murphy, who is one of three candidates for two open seats on the Select Board. Both of Murphy's opponents, Karen Gately Herrick and Carlo Bacci, are incumbents.

Candidates were sent questionnaires and filled out the answers.

Melissa Lee Murphy

Campaign website: Vote@melissaforreading.com

Office sought

Reading Select Board

Family

My husband Brian and I moved to Reading 15 years ago. We have raised our four children — Isabelle (14), Elizabeth (12), Annaliese (10), and Thomas (9) in the same house on Van Norden Road. We are a pet-loving family that includes two Leonbergers, Gus and Bear.

Education

Graduated from Northeastern University with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and an associate's degree in business.

Occupation

I worked at a prominent Boston law firm for 8+ years as a paralegal. Before that, I worked in various criminal justice-related positions, including Norfolk County Sheriff's Office as a case manager and the U.S. Marshal's Office coordinating inmate transportation. I did step back from my career in 2012 to focus on my family. Since 2012, I have volunteered for various positions within Reading. I was on the board of a local moms group, Connect the Tots, a Wood End PTO Board member for 5 + years, and a Wood End School Council member.

Previous or current elected or appointed office

I am a Town Meeting member and was elected to a 3-year seat in 2021. In 2022, due to a redistricting, I was reelected to a 3-year seat.

Why are you seeking elective office?

I decided to run for one of the two Select Board seats open because I believe Reading is going in a different direction than most residents in this Town would like it to go in. When elected to represent residents of this town, I believe you need to listen and take the feedback you get from residents and work with that information versus pushing a personal agenda. We need to get back to basics and ensure we maintain our roadways and prioritize our town-wide trash concerns.

Describe the issues that define your campaign platform

I have four priorities that define my campaign:

• The first is, minimizing the divide I have seen within our Select Board. I want to bring the board together to work through issues. I have no doubt there will be times some disagree, but I believe respectful, open-minded conversations bring people to a middle ground to make positive progress for everyone, especially the residents of Reading.
• Second, responsible spending and investing in Reading. Killam and a Senior Center projects are a priority, but we must be mindful of the tax implications on our residents. I would strive to ensure that our town controls the pace, scope and timing of initiatives and projects. We need to weigh projects based on needs vs. wants.
• Third, supporting small businesses and small business owners. In this post COVID world, the last thing I think we should be doing is hindering our local businesses with initiatives, such as split tax rates and bylaws increasing supply costs, that significantly impact their already small business bottom lines. If elected, I want to ensure we have better discussions and get more input from business owners before making potentially crippling decisions.
• Lastly, communication and support for town residents and business owners. One glaring example is the need for better communication with residents and business owners about town projects and construction that limits access to streets and parking lots. I was so glad to see this as one of Fidel's goals for the upcoming year.

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

I am a feisty, relentless person. I will always be determined to do the right thing for the residents of Reading, no matter the implications. I am a hard worker that does her due diligence in understanding issues. I am also extremely loyal and truthful. If I don't know an answer, I will tell you that and do my research to get you the appropriate answer, even if it is one you may not like.

If you are a challenger, in what ways do you hope to improve upon the work of the current board or office holder?

I hope to bring a fresh perspective that brings out-of-the-box thinking versus the status quo. Being green to a position on this board will push me to work extremely hard to gain a full understanding and insight into all town boards and committees to allow for a collaborative effort moving forward.

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

My prior work experience in a law firm has taught me about confidentiality, researching and understanding complex legal issues, and then being able to devise a solution. My commitment to the Reading community of almost a decade of volunteerism shows my dedication to this town. During my time on the Wood End PTO, we successfully fundraised to pay for various large projects and items within the school, such as completing the outdoor classroom, replacing and/or repairing smart boards, and paying for yearly school-wide enrichment.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

If elected, I promise to dedicate my time and efforts to making Reading a community we can all love. My decision-making will always be guided by my belief that I want to improve the lives of all Reading residents. I will always have an open line of communication with all residents and would encourage you to reach out to me with any concerns, and hopefully, I can earn your support. I ask for your vote on April 4th.