Election 2009: Malumphy Taking Unpaid Leave for Campaign09:32AM / Wednesday, August 19, 2009
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Mayoral candidate Pam Malumphy will begin an unpaid leave of absence from her current role as regional director for the Massachusetts Office of Business Development beginning Wednesday, Aug. 19.
"I knew there was the possibility that I would be asked to take the leave and it made the difficult decision of running for mayor that much more heavy. Anyone who knows me, knows that I've worked since I was 17, working my way through college, through grad school, so the idea of not getting a paycheck for the next many weeks is a bit overwhelming."
Asked why she made the decision in spite of the hardship, Malumphy replied, "I suppose it's like sky-diving ... either you're going to do it and jump from that plane with your heart and soul ... or not."
With no conflicts with either the Ethics Commission or the Office of Campaign Finance, Malumphy understands perception ... in other words, how it looks. "I have loved my job ... working with and assisting businesses has been an incredible experience. However, I would never want anyone to believe I was using my position to advance my mayoral campaign," said Malumphy.
As the city is at a crossroads and facing serious issues of public safety, jobs, and renovating two existing high schools versus building one new high school, Malumphy took out her nomination papers to run for mayor of Pittsfield on July 15 and is officially on the ballot as of Aug. 18.
Submitted by the Campaign to Elect Pam Malumphy. |
