Meet Swampscott Select Board Candidate Katie Murphy Arrington

SWAMPSCOTT, MA — A Swampscott High alumna who has spent the past two decades volunteering for community efforts — including the campaign for a new elementary school and serving as the president of the Clarke Elementary School PTO — is running for Select Board in the upcoming annual town election.

Katie Murphy Arrington told Patch that her focus will be town financial discipline, veterans services and support for the town's growing senior community.

She is a 2002 graduate of Swampscott High School, has volunteered with Swampscott-Nahant Youth Lacrosse, and said she has worked on several local campaigns.

"We have such tremendous potential in our town — our people, our seaside, our strong financial footing, and our dedicated staff — I look forward to rolling up my sleeves and doing the hard work to make sure we put that potential to work, for all of us," she said.

Arrington said continued financial discipline in town is key to expanding services for veterans and seniors.

"When Swampscott achieved a AAA bond rating, that means huge things for our ability to keep borrowing costs down," she said. "A proud Navy vet, my dad always emphasized the importance of serving your community. Retirement couldn't even stop him — you'll find Jerry Murphy the crossing guard at Clarke School, rain or shine.

"But we need to do more for those who have served our town and who have shown a commitment to being part of our community throughout their lives. The veterans housing project and outreach program on Pine Street needs to be seen through to completion. Similarly, we need to provide services and support for our senior community.

"As more and more of us age in place, the Council on Aging becomes an increasingly important point of connection for some of our most vulnerable residents."

The annual town election is set for April 30.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)