Murphy announces run for clerk's office

By Matthew Bernat
Turley Publications Staff Writer

STURBRIDGE -Town Clerk candidate Susan G. Murphy said she would use her background in retail management to bring an ethos of customer service if elected.
Murphy announced her candidacy last week for the position held by Lorraine Murawski, who was elected in 1998 to succeed the late Susan Blair.
“I’ve lived in town for quite awhile and served Sturbridge in a number of ways. I would like to continue to do that,” Murphy said during a recent interview.
She holds a degree in education and has experience within the retail industry having managed stores across the state, including ones in Newton and Wellesley. She also operates her own merchandising service. Locally, she ran a daycare center for six years and currently works for Sturbridge Country Curtains.
“I’ve been in business for years and I have worked with budgets, staff and have been in charge of operations,” she said.
Murphy also dedicated seven years to the Tantasqua Music Association serving as president of the organization while her two daughters attended school. The association raises funds to send music students to competitions, a service which is not covered by the school’s budget, as well as supporting many other music related programs and events.
A resident of town for 24 years, Murphy said her two daughters now attend college and she said she’s seeking a way to continue supporting the town.
If elected, Murphy said she would reevaluate the office with more attention paid to customer service and use her business acumen to manage the office’s finances.
“I see it as a service position, I don’t see it as a political position. When residents head to Town Hall the town clerk is often the first face they see,” Murphy said. “I’m all about customer service.”
Murphy also floated the idea of keeping the clerk’s office open late one night of the week to accommodate resident’s work schedules.
“That would say we’re offering to be there for residents even if it’s just for one person. That’s something I can do to make sure resident’s needs are being met,” she said.
The deadline has passed for candidates looking to obtain signatures for nominations papers.
The town election will be Monday, April 12 from 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. Voting will take place in Burgess Elementary School’s south gymnasium.