Nancy Murphy, Merrimack Town Council Candidate

Nancy A. (Olson) Murphy

Age (as of Election Day)

62

Position Sought

Merrimack Town Council

Party Affiliation

This is a non-partisan position

Family

-Married for 42 years to John (my high school sweetheart!)
-We have six children (Katelyn, Heather, Lindsey, Ryan, Mackenzie and
Zach), and six grandchildren.
-Throughout our marriage, my husband and I have also been foster parents
to a number of children, three of whom we’ve adopted, and many of whom
remain extended family members.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

-My daughter Mackenzie serves on the School Budget Committee and is a
candidate for the Ethics Committee.

Education

-BS Nursing/ RN; Boston University, School of Nursing

Occupation

*Environmental and public health citizen advocate/
Serving in many volunteer education and policy initiative related capacities
(local/state/national levels) since the 2016 discovery of the toxic per- and
polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination of Merrimack's drinking
water (air and soil); “Water Warrior.”
-Merrimack Citizens for Clean Water (MCFCW), Founding member
-NH Safe Water Alliance (NHSWA), Board of Directors
-National PFAS “Costs of Inaction” Study, NH Pilot Project Team with Northeastern University and the Global PFAS Science Panel, Coordinator.
*Nurse/
-Former NH DHHS, Division for Children, Youth and Families (DCYF),
“Foster Care Health Program” Nurse Coordinator (Manchester, Nashua,
Concord and Salem District Offices); Responsible for the oversight and
management of health care for all children in out of home (foster) care due
to child abuse and neglect.
-Prior to that worked as an RN primarily in pediatrics (various pediatric sub-specialties including developmental, neurology, mental health, rehabilitation, etc.)

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Office:
-NH State Representative, Hillsborough 21, Town of Merrimack;
Criminal Justice & Public Safety Committee, 2018-2020; (The only one
of all eight Merrimack State Rep’s to have had 100% attendance
record for the entire two year term.)
Appointments:
-NH House of Representatives, HB737, “Commission to investigate and
analyze the environmental and public health impacts relating to
releases of perfluorinated chemicals in the air, soil, and groundwater in
Merrimack, Bedford and Litchfield.” In addition to serving on this
commission, I wrote (prime-sponsored) and passed the bill that
created it. (Appointed by NH Senate President; 2019-Present)
-NH Senate, SB85, “Commission to study environmentally-triggered
chronic illness.” In addition to serving on this commission, I cosponsored the bill that created it. (Appointed by NH Speaker of the
House; 2019-Present)
-NH House of Representatives, HB705, “Study Committee on the
Needs of Victims of Crime and the Enforcement of Crime Victims’
Rights.” (Appointed by NH Speaker of the House; 2020)

Campaign website

See FB page

Why are you seeking elective office?

Merrimack has provided a wonderful home for three generations of my
family. My husband and I have been Merrimack residents for 35 years.
We’ve raised our children here, and our children have raised their children
here- attending Merrimack public schools, playing on school and MYA sports
teams, joining the school ski club, taking dance classes, participating in
children’s events at the library, enjoying summers at Naticook day camp,
and swimming at Wasserman Park. My family and friends are here. My life
and home, are here. Like my parents, my husband and I will retire here. I
am invested in our town.
Recognizing that my family and I have benefited from the investment of
time, effort, energy and expertise of those who came before us (which has
made Merrimack what it is today); I feel it is both my responsibility and a
privilege to be able to give back. I hope to be elected so that I may serve
our community as a member of our town government.
It is the role of the Town Council to define and establish policies for
Merrimack town government, and oversee that the Town Manager
implements that policy. I seek election to the Merrimack Town Council,
confident that as a long-term resident, with a proven track record of public
service, volunteerism, and unwavering community commitment and
investment to addressing the needs of our town; I have shown I have the
desire, skills, loyalty and experience to be a solid, and valuable contributor
to the Town Council. I can be relied upon to represent Merrimack resident’s
interests.
I remain dedicated to doing my part to make Merrimack a place where
people can afford to live, where the quality of life for all residents is valued
and protected; and where citizens can rely upon elected officials to represent
the needs of the community on important issues.
I ask that you please consider supporting my election on April 13th! Thank you!

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

Like local governing bodies in many other NH communities who have shown
a commitment to fiscal responsibility, the Merrimack Town Council will be
facing a number of shared challenges, along with some that may be more
specific to our community.
The most pressing issue will be to determine how to best ensure that the
community we love and call home will be the kind of place where citizens will
choose, and can afford to live, work, raise families, and retire.
Recognizing the local community challenges related to the economic impacts
of the global pandemic; that state budget cuts will downshift costs to towns;
that our capital projects fund may not be available to buy down the tax rate;
that community growth and development continues while we may
experience shortfalls in revenues/taxes; and that there remains a need to
protect citizens and hold polluters accountable relative to the PFAS
contamination of Merrimack’s air, water, and soil… the town will need to
determine how best to protect property taxpayers, and meet the needs of
the community- potentially, with fewer resources.
To keep the tax rate stable, there will be difficult budget decisions to make,
likely prioritizing ‘needs’ above ‘wants’. The budget must provide for the delivery
of necessary services and the infrastructure required for proper functioning
of a growing town. Town departments providing those services must have
access to the tools (including adequate funding), necessary to do so.
Merrimack Town Government will need to continue to be economically and
prudently operated; maintain investment in critical areas; new efficiencies
and synergies developed to control spending growth through times of
economic uncertainty; and solutions tailored to the needs of the community
and its citizens. Town departments must work together to create, build, and
sustain a strong local school system, economic opportunity, a strong local
economy, affordable housing, low crime rate, and a healthy natural
environment.

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

During my term as a NH State Representative, I have a proven record of
action and showing up to address issues important to Merrimack. This
includes working to successfully:
- End the tolls at Exit 11, and
-Pass a balanced budget that fully funded public schools and returned money
to Merrimack schools to keep property taxes down.
I’ve sponsored/cosponsored legislation (34 bills re: a variety of issues, in
addition to the 2 commissions and 3 PFAS bills referenced below) that have
directly benefited Merrimack and its citizens.
My 5 years of focused advocacy experience on the environmental and public
health challenges facing our community d/t PFAS contamination led me to seek the legislative changes our community experience made clear, we needed.
I have a record of effective leadership in the NH House on PFAS issues spearheading many initiatives and laws to hold environmental polluters accountable and gain the public health and environmental protections Merrimack (and all of NH) both needs and deserves.
In addition to creating the two environmental and public health related
commissions noted prior, I cosponsored 3 PFAS related bills (HB1603;
SB287; and SB623) that are very important to PFAS contaminated
communities like ours. These 3 bills were incorporated into HB1264 as
amended, and passed as omnibus PFAS legislation in 2020. The bill’s
language:
-Set NH’s current enforceable PFAS (Per and Polyfluoroalkyl
Substances) drinking water standards- MCL’s (Maximum Contaminant
Levels) that significantly reduce the level of 4 PFAS allowable for public
water; and expanded the statute governing ambient groundwater quality
standards to include state maximum contaminant levels established in law;
-Established the per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) fund; established
a low-interest loan program for certain water and waste water systems
affected by PFAS contamination; allowed DES to borrow money; and
-Requires that NH insurance companies provide coverage for PFAS blood
testing.
Despite opposition from lobbyists and those who do not yet recognize the
health harms associated with long-term, ongoing PFAS exposure; I’ve
championed the environmental and public health protections Merrimack
needs from environmental toxins (like PFAS), as well as the need for polluter
accountability, at all levels of government. As there are, and will continue to
be ongoing challenges related to this issue that will involve (DES, Saint
Gobain, DHHS, etc.) and impact Merrimack, I believe my background and
experience in this area would be particularly beneficial to the Town Council.
If elected, I’ll bring the same dedication to my work on the Town Council, as
I did in the NH House and as an environmental and public health citizen
advocate.

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

Incumbent Councilor Peter Albert, who has been a phenomenal asset to the
TC and has served our community well in many capacities, is not seeking reelection. Thank you, Pete!

How do you think local officials performed in responding to the coronavirus? What if anything would you have done differently?

The COVID-19 pandemic placed burdensome and unanticipated challenges
on local officials. Recognizing that the health and safety of Merrimack
residents was of the utmost importance, they took steps to respond to the
pandemic and address a multitude of potential impacts to public health, as
well as social, economic, budgetary, personnel, and other impacts. Up-to-date pandemic-related information was provided and residents were instructed to follow the guidance of the Governor, CDC and DHHS.
When COVID-19 reached NH in March 2020, I saw an opportunity to help
within our community. Through contacts within the Merrimack Senior
Citizens group here, I made myself available to local senior citizens and was
able to pick up groceries, medication, etc. for those who were homebound
and in need of assistance.
Having no sewing ability-but wanting to help, I cut out hundreds of masks
for the Merrimack Mask Making effort and distributed others, (made for our
community by a former NH DHHS, DCYF colleague), to local senior citizens.
In March 2020, when Town Councilor Peter Albert reached out for assistance
to address challenges re: accessing criminal records background checks that
were making it difficult for various charitable organizations (like Meals on
Wheels) to deliver services at the beginning of the pandemic, I was able to
help resolve this issue at the state level so that citizen’s needs could be met.
That same month, my daughter, Mackenzie and I worked together to create
the “Community Snacks for Those Who Have Our Backs” effort (see FB
page) to make the lives of our frontline healthcare workers a little bit easier
while they worked so hard to save ours. Community partners, Nashua
Community College, the Lions Club, Girl Scout Troop 13912, Movement
Church and many community members and groups were extraordinarily
generous, and donated thousands of snacks for our frontline workers which
we delivered to all four area hospitals. The recipients were very grateful.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

I believe information re: these issues are included elsewhere within this
candidate profile.

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

As mothers everywhere know, caring for the needs of our families and
meeting work and other expectations outside of our homes, provides us a
great deal of experience with having to meet multiple important
expectations at the same time- all of which have to be done well. Parenting
(and foster parenting), afforded me years of real world experience in:
flexibility; time management; determining and prioritizing needs; budgeting;
patience; problem-solving in the moment; multi-tasking; and getting the job
done.
As a nurse, I was responsible for: making objective assessments; critical,
informed decision making (sometimes involving life or death); paying close
attention to detail; coordination and oversight of complex issues that impact
human lives; and being able to look at the 'big' picture while at the same
time, recognizing the potential impact/unintended consequences of those
things that may be less obvious.
As a NH State Representative, I was the only one of all eight Merrimack
State Rep’s with a 100% attendance record for the entire two year term. I
earned a reputation in Concord as a well-respected, person of integrity, who
was willing to listen, always showed up, and collaborated and worked in a
bipartisan fashion to get the job done for Merrimack and NH. I was known as
a “Water Warrior” and leader on the PFAS issue, as well as for my strong
community advocacy for Merrimack’s other needs.
While there, I sponsored/ cosponsored 39 bills to address:
-Toll relief for Merrimack
-Advocacy for and protection of vulnerable persons
-Public health
-Mental health services
-Disability rights and support
-Education and special education
-Nutrition benefits for those eligible for food stamps
-Environmental protection
-Animal/Wildlife protections
-Local control of issues that impact individual communities; and
-Insurance coverage
Should I be elected, the knowledge, skills, abilities and experience I have
acquired in many different roles over the years; have prepared me to serve
in the role as Town Councilor.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

A summary of quotes that have both inspired me and provided a framework
within which to live my life….
“Live with integrity”;
“Treat others as you wish to be treated”;
“Be the change you wish to see in the world”; and,
“Actions speak louder than words.”

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

-I am a long-term resident with a reputation as a respectful, open-minded
person of integrity, and a record of proven commitment to our community.
-My volunteer efforts and advocacy as both a citizen and a legislator have
addressed community stewardship and needs, and contributed to improving
the quality of life for Merrimack residents.
-I have shown my willingness and ability to listen, keep an open mind,
respect diverse opinions, find common ground, and make decisions that
reflect the needs, values, and best interests of our community.
-I recognize that common sense, collaboration, and an understanding of the
issues that impact our community, leads to town government that ensures
Merrimack will continue to be a great place to live.
-As a Merrimack citizen and taxpayer, I am grateful for, and appreciative of
the work of all current Town Council members. If elected, I look forward to
working with, and learning from a group that has worked so well together.
I am sad to see Councilor Albert leave his role as a Town Councilor, but wish
him well as he moves on to another life chapter. He has been an invaluable
member of the TC and has served our community well.
Thank you, Councilor Albert!
I wish my fellow candidates the best on their campaigns.
Thank you for taking the time to read my Candidate Profile.
I hope you consider voting Nancy (Olson) Murphy for Town Council! Thank you!