Kelleigh Murphy: Candidate, Bedford Town Council

BEDFORD, NH — Kelleigh Murphy

Age (as of Election Day)

41

Position Sought

Town Councilor, Bedford

Party Affiliation

Undeclared (Independent)

Family

I have three children who attend Riddlebrook Elementary School

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

Bachelor of Arts., Political Science (studies in music and linguistics), Boston College. Richmond Law School (Moot Court Champion and law review invitee); Juris Doctorate., Vermont Law School (environmental law coursework).

Occupation

Owner/Operator, My Social Sports (2009); Attorney (Family Law, Personal Injury and Business Law)(2004).

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Bedford Town Council, 2013-2019 (Vice Chair 2016; Chairwoman 2017 and 2018); Planning Board 2018-present; Master Plan Committee 2018-present; previously sat on Zoning Board, Energy Commission, Highway Safety Commission, Water and Sewer Commission and Parks and Recreation Commission. Former State Representative in Bedford. Former Alderman and School Board member in Manchester.

Campaign website

facebook.com/ELECTKEL

Why are you seeking elective office?

I believe I can work to ensure that Bedford remains a premiere, AAA bonded community with a small-town feel, well into the future. I have a 7-year proven track record on both the Council and Planning Board of fiscally sound judgment and a commitment to responsible growth. I am not afraid to ask tough questions, and I listen to the feedback of all of the residents and endeavor to represent their collective interests using my background as an attorney and leadership experience. I truly love local government and have a deeply-rooted commitment to public service.

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Growth, development and redevelopment. I intend to continue to listen to the concerns of residents and provide a voice for those concerns on the council. It is very clear that our resources continue to be strained as to public safety and education, and so the council needs representatives who are sensitive to that, and who can work to carry out the will of the residents and preserve the small-town feel of Bedford.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I believe that I have a 7-year history of asking tough questions and promoting responsible growth and sound fiscal management. Additionally, my background and experience as both a small business owner and an attorney mean that I bring budgetary and contract review and analytical skills to the table that I believe make me uniquely qualified for Council. I also have young children in elementary school, so I am here for the long haul, and committed to the Bedford not only of tomorrow, but decades to come.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

I really respect Chris Bandazian and I think he does an excellent job on the council. I would never speak ill of another candidate. There are 4 highly qualified candidates running for office. I believe that my qualifications as outlined would make me an asset to the Council.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

I think it's critically important that council candidates have all interests of the town at heart, rather than being single-issue candidates. I am concerned about growth, development, retirement housing, public safety, education, taxes, our AAA bond status; environmental impacts to the town; reducing our footprint; sound management; future planning; economic development and so much more.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I have a 7-year track record in Bedford. I have been named a 40 Under Forty designee by the New Hampshire Union Leader; I have held leadership positions on the council, serving for 2 years as the first female Chairwoman of the Council. I am energetic, fair, impartial and a good listener. I always do my homework on issues and often go above and beyond with background research and analysis. I coach a lot in the community - for baseball, flag football, basketball, soccer, softball, and I believe that I have honed teamwork, leadership positivity and patience skill sets through that volunteer work. I believe that all of these accomplishments and skills would serve the town well on the Council.

The best advice ever shared with me was …

Be kind, always, and stay true to who you are. There will be people in life that you don't see eye to eye with, but everyone deserves respect and the opportunity to be heard.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I love this town, and I am both honored and humbled to serve it.