Murphy makes her case, public service, Harris and more

Erin Murphy for Clerk

I'm Erin Murphy, and I humbly ask for your support in the upcoming primary election on Tuesday, September 3rd. For the past three years, it has been an honor and privilege to serve the vibrant and diverse communities of our great city as your City Councilor. I want to share with you why I am the best choice for the position of Clerk of the Superior Court for Suffolk County.

A track record of success: During my time as a member of the Boston City Council, I have worked to deliver tangible results for our neighborhoods. I have always lifted up the voice of my neighbors and advocated for important issues that directly affect our community. Through my advocacy for better schools, more services for our seniors and veterans, safer streets, housing costs, and providing services to citizens, 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 highlights my leadership skills and commitment to ethical standards. These qualities are essential for a role that requires impartiality, transparency, and reliability. The role of the Clerk of Court is to ensure the smooth running of the court system by managing documents, scheduling appointments, and ensuring compliance with procedures. This is a neutral administrative role 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 Councilman, my decades of service as a public school teacher, and my lifelong commitment to the community demonstrate my competence and ability to handle complex administrative tasks, process large amounts of information, and interact with a wide variety of people. This experience, combined with my strong work ethic, demonstrates that I am more than capable of handling complex tasks and serving the community effectively.

Educational Skills: My 24 years as a teacher and special education coordinator in a Boston Public School underscore my deep understanding of educational and administrative processes. Administering over 150 IEPs per year reflects my organizational skills and experience managing extensive records and coordinating services. It also underscores my attention to detail and commitment to fair and equitable treatment of all students. These skills are transferable and valuable in the administrative role as a Supreme Court Clerk.

Accessibility and Transparency: Your Voice Matters. I have always made it a priority to be accessible to residents, to attend community meetings in every neighborhood, and to listen to your concerns. I am committed to making sure everyone feels welcome when they step foot in the courthouse. I will continue to advocate for transparency and to speak my mind to advocate for you.

Local knowledge and network: As an elected city official, I have extensive knowledge of Boston, Winthrop, Chelsea, and Revere and their residents, which is an asset in a role that requires close collaboration with the public and various legal stakeholders. My existing relationships and network in the community will contribute to smoother operations and improved communication.

Single Mom Perspective: My experience as a single mom gives me a unique and insightful perspective. It demonstrates my resilience, my ability to juggle multiple responsibilities, and my commitment to making decisions that positively impact families and individuals.

Bostonian through and through: I love our city and am deeply committed to its future. As a Boston native, Boston Public School teacher, former BPS student, BPS parent, and single mother who raised her four children here, I understand our unique challenges and opportunities and will continue to work to make not only Boston, but all of Suffolk County, a better place for all of us!

On September 3, I'm asking you to cast your vote for Clerk of the Supreme Court. I believe you; the people of Boston, Chelsea, Winthrop, and Revere deserve an elected official who will champion access to justice and bring transparency and accountability to the role. When you vote for me, you know exactly what you're getting. I will bring the same work ethic and integrity that defined my time as a Boston Public School teacher and as a member of the Boston City Council. Together, we can accomplish remarkable things for Suffolk County. Thank you for your trust and support.

Erin Murphy

Boston City Council without portfolio

Public service

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

Throughout my career, I have witnessed firsthand the importance of having competent and apolitical federal government employees. The merit-based system provides continuity across changing administrations and preserves the institutional knowledge and expertise needed 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 bill will help preserve the integrity and efficiency of federal employees who dedicate their careers to serving the public. It is critical for our lawmakers to ensure that our government continues to function efficiently and fairly for all Americans.

Beverly White

Sturbridge

Right to protection

The right to shelter is a mess. This right should provide Commonwealth residents facing hardship an alternative to living on the streets. We all agree that pregnant women and families with children need a roof over their heads while they try to manage their plight. 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. $1 billion is the latest price tag for our broken right to shelter, 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' promise

Kamala Harris' campaign is based on a promise to fix all the problems that the Biden-Harris administration has created and blamed on everyone else. Her plan is to do more regulation and more spending, and if she wins, it will continue like this. That does not bode well for the future.

Paul Quaglia

Billerica