Letters to the editor: Murphy makes her case, civil service, Harris & more

Erin Murphy for Clerk

I am Erin Murphy, and I am humbly seeking your support in the upcoming Primary Election on Tuesday, Sept. 3. Over the past three years, it has been both an honor and a privilege to serve the vibrant and diverse communities of our great City as your At-Large City Councilor. I want to share with you why I am the best choice for Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court for Suffolk County.

A Record of Results: During my time as a legislator on the Boston City Council, I have been dedicated to delivering tangible results for our neighborhoods. I have consistently lifted the voices of my neighbors and championed important causes that directly impact our community. From advocating for better schools, more services for our seniors and veterans, safer streets, the cost of housing, and delivering on constituent services, I have demonstrated my commitment to improving the quality of life for all Bostonians.

Proven Leadership and Integrity: My successful career in public service and education underscores my leadership abilities and commitment to ethical standards. These qualities are crucial for a role that demands impartiality, transparency, and reliability. The Clerk’s role is to ensure the smooth operation of the court system by managing documents, scheduling, and ensuring procedural compliance. This is a neutral, administrative function that does not require legal interpretation. Combining these factors, I offer a blend of practical experience, a deep understanding of public service, and a personal commitment to fairness and community.

Extensive Public Service Experience: My tenure as a Boston City Councilor, my decades as a public-school educator, and my lifelong community advocacy demonstrates my expertise and capability to handle complex administrative tasks, manage substantial amounts of information, and interact with a diverse range of people. This experience, combined with my strong work ethic, shows that I am more than capable of managing complex responsibilities and advocating effectively for the community.

Education Expertise: My 24 years as a Boston Public School teacher and special education coordinator highlight my deep understanding of education and administrative processes. Managing over 150 IEPs each year reflects my organizational skills and experience managing extensive records and coordinating services. It also highlights my attention to detail, and dedication to ensuring fair and equitable treatment for all students. These skills are transferable and valuable in the administrative role of Clerk for the Supreme Judicial Court.

Accessibility and Transparency: Your voice matters. I have always made it a priority to be accessible to residents, attending community meetings in every neighborhood and listening to your concerns. It is a priority of mine to make sure everyone feels welcome when they access the court. I will continue to champion transparency and speak my mind to stand up for you.

Local Knowledge and Network: As a citywide elected official, I have a comprehensive understanding of Boston, Winthrop, Chelsea and Revere, and its residents, which will be beneficial in a role that requires close interaction with the public and various legal stakeholders. My existing relationships and network in the community will help facilitate smoother operations and improved communication.

Single Parent Perspective: My experience as a single mom adds a unique and empathetic perspective. It demonstrates my resilience, ability to balance multiple responsibilities, and commitment to making decisions that positively impact families and individuals.

Bostonian Through and Through: I love our city, and I am deeply committed to its future. As a lifelong Bostonian, Boston Public School teacher, former BPS student, BPS parent, and a single mom who raised her four children here, I understand our unique challenges and opportunities, and I will continue to be dedicated to making not just Boston, but all of Suffolk County a better place for all of us!

On Sept. 3, I ask for your vote for Clerk of the Supreme Judicial Court. I believe you; the people of Boston, Chelsea, Winthrop, and Revere deserve an elected official who is committed to providing access to justice and will bring transparency and accountability to the role. When you vote for me, you know exactly what you are getting. I will bring the same work ethic and integrity that marked my time in the classroom as a Boston Public School teacher, and as a legislator on the Boston City Council. Together, we can achieve remarkable things for Suffolk County. Thank you for your trust and support.

Erin Murphy

Boston City Councilor At-Large

Civil Service

As a federal employee/retiree, I am deeply concerned about the potential reimplementation of Schedule F and the politicization of our federal workforce. The Saving Civil Service Act is a critical piece of legislation that seeks to protect the integrity of the merit-based civil service system, ensuring that federal employees are hired and promoted based on their qualifications and performance, not political connections.

Throughout my career, I witnessed firsthand the importance of a competent and apolitical federal workforce. The merit-based system provides continuity through changing administrations and preserves the institutional knowledge and expertise necessary for the effective functioning of federal agencies. This system ensures that the work of the government is carried out by dedicated and competent professionals.

The act will help preserve the integrity and effectiveness of federal employees who dedicate their careers to serving the public. It is vital for our lawmakers to ensure that our government continues to function efficiently and fairly for all Americans.

Beverly White

Sturbridge

Right to Shelter

The right to shelter is a mess. This right was intended to help residents in the Commonwealth who fall on hard times an alternative to living on the street.  We can all agree that pregnant women and families with children need a roof over their head while they plan to take control of their hard-luck situation.  But, this right to shelter should only help residents who have lived in the state for at least 12 months.  It should never be an open invitation for people to move to Massachusetts.  $1B is the latest price tag for our broken Right to Shelter law, as written, for 2024. Pandemic relief funds will dry up and budget cuts will be felt by every taxpayer very soon.

Donald Houghton

Quincy

Harris’s Promises

Kamala Harris’s campaign is based on promises to fix all the problems that the Biden-Harris administration has created and blamed everyone else for. More regulation and spending has been their plan and will continue if she wins, there is not a bright future in that.

Paul Quaglia

Billerica

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