📮 Select Board Vice Chair Melissa Murphy Leads Regional Effort to Uphold Voter Approved Legislative Audit 

The Town of Reading has taken a leading role in a growing regional effort to support enforcement of the voter approved audit of the Massachusetts Legislature, with Select Board Vice Chair Melissa Murphy serving as a central figure in advancing the initiative. 

At a recent Select Board meeting, Murphy formally requested Board approval to send a letter to House Speaker Ronald Mariano and Senate President Karen Spilka urging implementation of the audit mandated by Question 1. The measure, approved by 66 percent of Reading voters in November 2024, reflects broad public interest in increased legislative transparency. 

The Board voted in favor of issuing the letter, positioning Reading as the first municipalities to take formal action following the statewide vote. 

Reading’s leadership on this matter received statewide visibility during an appearance on Nightside with Dan Rea, where Select Board Chair Christopher Haley and Vice Chair Melissa Murphy discussed the Board’s decision and encouraged other communities to join the effort. 

During the program, Murphy highlighted the importance of ensuring that voter approved measures are carried out as intended. She stated: “You can’t do a public records request on a legislator, but they can do one on us. We don’t see their financials ever; they do their own private audit. It is clear that not only did Reading residents support this audit, but the residents of Massachusetts did.” 

Chair Haley noted the significance of honoring the mandate expressed by voters, adding: “This is just unbelievable that the will of the voters isn’t endorsed on this. It’s unacceptable. If any of us Select Board Members did this and ignored the will of the voters, we’d be recalled.” 

Following Reading’s action, several municipalities have begun considering or advancing similar measures. Vice Chair Murphy’s leadership on this issue aligns with her ongoing commitment to transparent, accountable local government. By initiating Reading’s formal request and encouraging broader municipal participation, she has helped position the Town as a proactive voice in upholding voter approved measures.