Dear Reading Community,
I hope this message finds you well. I am excited to officially announce my re-election campaign for one of the two Select Board seats on April 8th.
During my time on the Select Board, I collaborated with residents and town staff to address important community issues and initiatives. This included resolving trash collection problems, tackling inequalities in the tiered water rate system for multi-unit buildings, and supporting The Ad Hoc Commemoration Establishment Committee (ACE). I prioritized responsible spending, especially as we face significant debt exclusions in the near future. Additionally, I advocated for a reasonable compliance solution for MBTA Communities. The Select Board appointments this summer were critical in providing Town Meeting members with a choice between two solutions.
I supported the implementation of second water meters after thoroughly understanding their benefits for Reading residents. I also worked with local business owners to address concerns regarding parking kiosks. To gather critical feedback, on Friday, October 4th, I spent an entire day in the CVS/Haven Street parking lot, speaking with residents, business owners, and town staff about the kiosks and their impact on our community.
Most importantly, I have promoted moderation to restore balance on our Select Board by encouraging common-sense thinking and a willingness to listen and compromise. These accomplishments reflect my commitment to transparency, collaboration, and creating a more effective working environment for residents alongside the Select Board.
As I seek your support for re-election, my goal is to build on our successes and address the challenges ahead. My priorities for the upcoming term include:
**Listening to Community Needs**: I will continue to engage with residents, ensuring that their voices and concerns are heard and addressed, whether they’re related to trash collection, water rates, potholes, or any MBTA proposals that arise.
**Fiscal Responsibility**: I am committed to managing our resources wisely while balancing our community’s needs with prudent financial planning. We must be mindful of our spending and weigh wants against needs.
**Supporting Local Businesses and Services**: Strengthening our local economy is essential. I will work to support initiatives that benefit our businesses and enhance services for residents.
I will always maintain an open line of communication with all residents. Please reach out with any questions or concerns, as your input is vital to earning your support. It has been a privilege to serve our community over the past ten months, and I look forward to continuing our work together.
I am asking for your vote on or before April 8th.
Sincerely,
Melissa Murphy
https://melissaforreading.com/
