Charley Murphy: Thank You for a Great 16 Years (Letter)

The following is a letter from Rep. Charley Murphy, 21st Middlesex District:

As you may have learned by now, I have decided to not seek reelection as state
representative for the 21st Middlesex District. As such, I will resign my seat effective at the close of the current legislative session on July 31st.

The decision was an extremely difficult one to reach, however, Nan and I are in
agreement that the time has arrived for me to pursue the next chapter in the proverbial book of life. To that end, I am joining Burlington based s, a healthcare IT consulting company, as vice president of public policy and government affairs.

Representing Bedford, Burlington and Wilmington in the state legislature has been the single biggest honor in my life and I will genuinely miss working with, and for, the many local leaders, constituents and colleagues I have met over the past sixteen years.

I am proud of the work I have done for the district and the Commonwealth during my eight terms in office. In particular, I will always look back at my time as Chairman of the House Committee on Ways and Means as the most meaningful and challenging time in my professional career. I was blessed with an intelligent and motivated staff which allowed me to succeed in completing two extremely challenging budgets on time that contributed to the subsequent upgrade in our state's bond rating allowing the state to save millions of dollars and positioning the Commonwealth to outpace other states in recovering from the "Great Recession".

On a local level I am proud of the additional school funding I was able to procure for Bedford to reimburse the town for educating the children of military personnel, I am proud to have played a role in getting two new schools built in Burlington and I look forward to the children of Burlington enjoying the new athletic fields on the so-called "Boston Property" for many years to come.

When I first ran for office I was asked many times "why"? My answer then and now has remained the same-to help people. Engaging in and influencing public policy has certainly been an enjoyable aspect of the job, however, the ability to help people who needed assistance, for me, was the motivating factor to run for elective office. And while I am still motivated by this goal, I feel that after sixteen years of service it is time to move on.

Please be assured that your support, encouragement and even criticism was always deeply appreciated. I can never repay you for all you have done for me and my family and I hope that we can continue to work together in other ways for the betterment of our communities and the Commonwealth.

Thank you.

Charley Murphy
State Representative
21st Middlesex District