Select Board Candidate Forum recap
Updated on April 1, 2025 to correct the spelling of names and add the est. reading time.
(5-7 minute read)
A look at the Select Board candidate’s positions
On March 26, the Reading Democratic Town Committee and Reading Republican Town Committees co-sponsored the official Select Board Candidate Forum, providing an opportunity for residents to hear directly from candidates. The event was held in the Community Room at the Reading Public Library and was recorded by RCTV for those unable to attend in person. The forum was moderated by Jen Hillery, with Bob Holmes serving as the interviewer.
Watch the full Select Board Candidate Forum on the RCTV Youtube page.
Four candidates are vying for two seats on the Select Board, each with a 3-year term. The candidates include incumbent Melissa Murphy and challengers Chris Cook, Tony D’Arezzo, and Karen Rose-Gillis. Throughout the forum, they shared their perspectives on major issues facing the town, including the proposed Killam School rebuild, the ReCAL senior center project, the development of pickleball courts, and the performance of the Town Manager Matt Kraunelis.
Photo (l-r): Select Board candidates Melissa Murphy, Chris Cook, Tony D’Arezzo, and Karen Rose-Gillis; moderator Jen Hillery. Photo by Taylor Gregory.
Meet the candidates
Melissa Murphy (Incumbent)
Resident for 18 years, with four children.
Volunteer experience includes Connect the Tots, Wood End PTO (6 years), Wood End School Council, Town Meeting (5 years), Select board (1 year).
Previously worked as a paralegal before stepping back to raise a family and engage more with the Reading community.
Tony D’Arezzo (Challenger)
Resident since the early 1990s, with children who attended Reading Public Schools.
Served as a Town Meeting member (off and on for 30 years) and on the Community Planning and Development Committee (CPDC) (7 years)
Background in Information Technology, emphasizing research, consensus-building, and planning for inevitable change.
Karen Rose-Gillis (Challenger)
Resident for 32 years, with children who attended Reading Public Schools.
Volunteered with local scouting organizations, PTO boards, and the Parking Advisory and Recommendations Committee (PARC).
Has a degree in economics, with 35 years of experience in the legal industry with a wide range of responsibilities.
Chris Cook (Challenger)
More recently moved to Reading, chose location for the strong public schools and community appeal.
Formerly attended Andover’s Town Meeting, Select Board, and Finance Committee.
Works as a state banking regulator at the Massachusetts Division of Banks for the past 12 years.
Photo (l-r): Select Board candidate Karen Rose-Gillis, moderator Jen Hillery, interviewer Bob Holmes, Reading Democratic Town Committee Chair Vanessa Alvarado, and Reading Republican Town Committee Chair Eric Bergstrom. Photo by Taylor Gregory.
Candidate responses to key issues
Pickleball Courts ($1.89M proposal for 7 courts at Symonds Way)
Murphy: Supports the project but believes costs should be reduced. Prefers not to borrow funds.
D’Arezzo: Recognizes high costs but emphasizes long-term value. Open to cost reductions.
Rose-Gillis: Attended RPPA fundraiser, acknowledges cost concern, and suggests revisiting contracts.
Cook: Supports the project at a lower cost, considering long-term maintenance costs.
ReCAL Center ($27.9M proposal at Symonds Way)
Murphy: Supports a new center but questions whether the size and cost align with senior survey responses. Suggests scaling down the project and exploring funding offsets.
D’Arezzo: Emphasizes the need for future planning, recognizes the necessity of increased costs for expanded services.
Rose-Gillis: Fully supports the project, viewing it as a multi-generational community benefit.
Cook: Supports the project but encourages using alternative funding sources to reduce taxpayer burden.
Debt exclusions for Killam School and ReCAL Center
Murphy: Concerns about financial burden but believes Killam’s state funding opportunity must be seized. Advocates for financial strategies to lessen impact on seniors.
D’Arezzo: Likens the cost to a mortgage - challenging initially but manageable over time.
Rose-Gillis: Supports both projects, emphasizing long-term investment in the community.
Cook: Acknowledges sticker shock but believes the town should explore additional funding sources
If ReCAL doesn’t pass, what’s next?
Murphy: Suggests revising the proposal and using existing spaces for senior programming.
D’Arezzo: Notes leasing alternatives but warns of ongoing operational costs.
Rose-Gillis: Believes the town should modify plans but remain committed to a new senior center.
Cook: Supports revisiting project scope and making adjustments based on voter feedback.
Town Manager Matt Kraunelis’ Performance
Murphy: Acknowledges his growth in the role, praises his improved communication with the Select Board.
D’Arezzo: Recognizes the challenges of stepping into the role and believes in his potential with proper guidance.
Rose-Gillis: Emphasizes the importance of his support staff and acknowledges the steep learning curve.
Cook: Hopes to see a longer-term contract based on his continued leadership.
Final thoughts on the candidates
Murphy: Prioritizes community needs, fiscal responsibility, and supporting small businesses.
D’Arezzo: Stresses interconnected decision-making and leadership integrity.
Rose-Gillis: Emphasizes long-term planning and expanding volunteer engagement.
Cook: Advocates for financial prudence and collaboration in town governance.
Unanswered questions residents should ask candidates
With limited time, not all topics could be covered. Residents are encouraged to ask candidates about:
Split tax rate between residential and commercial properties
Select Board’s role in the MBTA turnaround track project
The town’s approach to an upcoming override
The Ad Hoc Commemoration Establishment Committee’s (ACE) efforts to honor Bill Russell
Thoughts on the Community Preservation Act
Watch the full forum
For a deeper dive into each candidate’s views, watch the full Select Board Candidate Forum on RCTV’s Youtube page.
Photo by Taylor Gregory.
