Candidate Statement: Murphy Running for Lanesborough Selectman
Candidate statement by Michael Murphy, who is running for a seat on the Board of Selectmen. The town election is Tuesday, June 16, from noon to 6:30 p.m.
LANESBOROUGH, Mass. — It has been several weeks since I announced my candidacy for Lanesborough selectman. As a 28-year resident I do have some ideas about what people are concerned about these days. However, in starting to talk with people my philosophy was to seek first to understand and then to be understood. That approach worked better than I could have imagined. The people I spoke with were loud and clear. I now have a clear vision as to the issues of the day and what I can to bring to the table to address them.
I was most surprised at the number of people demanding a change in attitude from town leadership. There is a feeling that many — not all but many — elected, paid, appointed and volunteers at Town Hall see residents as adversaries. Many townsfolk want input into decisions that affect their quality of life as well as in their pocketbook. They allege that opportunities for public comments have been severely diminished if not eliminated altogether. People are demanding a town that cares about the people. My goal is make Town Hall accessible, open and welcoming to all.
A major issue is the future of the Berkshire Mall. Economic development is a challenge even under the best of circumstances which today's times are not. I've spoken with several people on both sides. Unfortunately, no obvious solutions exist. What is obvious is there are two opposing points of view and what appears to be a reluctance to work together to reach some consensus if not agreement especially in a professional and respectful manner. Lots of anger on both sides that seem to be a roadblock to any progress. My goal is to try and work with those on both sides to not address their differences but to find a common ground with which to proceed together for the benefit of the town.
Many people are concerned that those on the Select Board are also business owners in town. They struggle with the idea that they are not making decisions in the best interest of the town but for their own businesses. Now I believe that all three current selectmen make every effort to keep the town first. It's just that lots of others don't see how that is possible. Although I continue to work full time in the non-profit sector I don't have any business interests in town. People tell me that is one of the main reasons they are supporting me. My goal is to represent the taxpayers and their families first and foremost. Period.
I'm a strong supporter of seniors in our community. Many are on fixed incomes and also home owners and taxpayers. Many are aging out of their homes but want to stay in the town they love so much. Many need activities, programs and services. My goal is to work closely with those in town whose job it is to assist and support seniors to ensure we are doing everything possible for them.
I'm not forgetting about families either. Those with children young and old need to feel the town cares about them and their needs, also. My goal is to do everything I can to support recreational programs as well as provide proper oversight to ensure schools are doing all they can to meet those needs as well. For the record schools need our support now more than ever, also. I pledge to do what I can to support them as well.
I'm also a big supporter of public safety in Lanesborough. The paid and volunteer members of our fire and police squads face numerous challenges every day and they do an excellent job in keeping residents and visitors to our town protected and safe. A major issue right now it relocating the police department from the deplorable building they are still working in now to a better location with a building and grounds better equipped for current and future needs of the department. I know current leadership has worked hard on this for the past few years. I also understand that cost is an issue that has to be addressed. I also know many residents feel like this process is taking too long and the department is suffering because of that. My goal is to move the process forward as quickly as possible to reach a final decision and move on to finally relocating our chief and his officers to a healthy and safe location.
I know I have a lot to learn about being a selectman. I'm willing to put in the work to the best of my abilities. I gained some knowledge when I previously served on the Finance Committee. Serving on the cable committee several years on two separate occasions taught me about the often thankless job volunteering to serve on a town committee.
One of the issues that continues to surprise me is the elected, appointed and volunteer positions lacking people to fill them. I truly believe that opening the door and putting out the welcome mat for all town residents — young and old — to know they are needed and wanted is a step in the right direction. One I'm happy to take should enough voters choose to support me and what I believe in.
I do need to correct one falsehood someone at Town Hall said about me to at least one other prominent person in Lanesborough and maybe more. He said he could never support me because I have "quit every committee" I have ever served on in Lanesborough.
For the record I have never quit any Lanesborough committee I have served on. I did discuss the comment with the person in question and he confirmed that he has said that. I offered to own up to it publicly if he could provide any proof it was true, which to this point he has been unable to do. I was polite and respectful but very hurt that this kind of misinformation was being said about me. For those voters who may be undecided I wanted to be sure this falsehood did not influence their decision.
Finally, no matter who you support please vote. I know many of you have already done so thanks to the early voting process. Remember your ballot is due to Town Hall by June 16. Don't rely on the mail to deliver last minute ballots in time. You can hand-deliver them to town hall's drop box. For those of you who will vote in person I will see you at town hall from noon until 6:30 pm on Tuesday, June 16.
Tags: election 2020, town elections,
