What is the point of contesting Mr. Murphy's residency? I don't know him personally, but he seems like a young, intelligent, motivated, capable, and reasonable citizen of Attleboro. He wants to be involved, he wants to help, he wants improve our schools. Isn't that the type of individual the people of this city should want as a public official? What a colossal waste of time investigating and arguing over whether he lives here or there more of the time. It's a ridiculous challenge by small minded, agenda driven people who either don't care about truly improving the schools or are just too stupid too understand or be capable of doing so.

Defend, defend, defend....Where were all of you showing support tonight??? Facts are facts and they can't be denied...sorry covered up! @ Mr. Larson sending his son to take notes...I hope you get mine!! Well to all you who wanted proof...I was at that meeting tonight, spoke publicly to numerous people including a City Council Member about the districts wrong doings and flat out violation of our child's Civil Rights!! And I had ALL my documents in hand for you need be viewers that can't trust a determined mom who's just trying to make sure their child has everything he so rightfully deserves....but the joke is not on me that's for sure! @ Pete who are you to call PARENTS, small minded, agenda driven, stupid, not capable of understanding??? Thanks for your nasty opinion but if you don't have anything nice to say just don't say anything...

@Sarah, have you ever said anything nice on here??

@ Christine why yes I have actually. Not to long ago I thanked a couple SC members for reaching out to me...and u??? Difference between publicly announcing truth vs. insulting others. I don't single any one person involved in this over another, the group in whole is responsible. And yes Ms. Christine to be honest once again, I really don't have anything nice to say about the individuals involved so.....btw I really hope u are never in my shoes as a mom! I'm done conversing with you.

I am now sickened by the posts here and on the other posts attacking Mr. Murphy and others who have obviously picked out a "side." It's troubling that the complainant did an paid online background check of Mr. Murphy. If she did that or she did as claimed, gained personal info through unauthorized registry,then its still an issue of legality or at least ethics ..which probing into a persons life would be troubling. I have posted about an independent investigation bein needed. Posters here seem to think that "self-investigation" or "self-air-cleaning" is enough. One cannot just post their side and it is considered "gospel". Belief is strong, very strong but it does not hold up as truth in our legal/government systems. The bias on this board leans way to much to those who have stated that no matter what, the truth exists only because the people favored have spoken it. This is logically proof of a breakdown in proving anything. When the subjective begins to overrun the objective, then there is little hope for any facts to be brought out.
We remaining OBJECTIVE citizens should call for an independent investigation. "Taint" strongly corrupts too many local residents and staff that are not able to be counted on for a solid, fair resolution. It's time to strongly push for resignations of all current SC members and push for a clean slate during the next election. Dr. Durkin is leaving as well. This is the best way to insure the schools/children get back to being the real focus

@pete. We should just let anyone run for office in our city? Even if they don't live here? How absurd is that!! There are laws that specify who can run and be elected to office. This is not nonsense or a waste of time. If we want government to work in our city, we have to uphold the laws. If this complaint is not given a fair hearing it will let everyone know that it doesn't matter if you live in Attleboro, you can live in New York and still hold office here. Murphy is not above anyone else and to be held to the law. I am sorry if you are supporter of him, but he is not above the law. I believe in government and if he is not a resident, he needs to be removed from his seat on school committee.

I support Dave and I know that he has now changed all his documents to show his home address on Pioneer Circle. He is now in compliance with the complaint and it will be trown out. He has his proof and he will now be able to make this go away.

@Pete.. How ridiculus is it to think that we should let anyone run for office, even if they do not live here. Murphy clearly was not a resident here until he recently changed his address to his parents. Can you say cover up!!! This is why the commiission can say, even before a hearing, that as of July 16th Mr. Murphy was a resident so lets dismiss this case. Murphy has an advantage over Crowder (he is good friends with Mike Levinson, chair of the commission who excused himself because he was his friend-he still advocates for Murphy and the commission is following his directives) this is unfair to Ms. Crowder. How can Mr. Murphy sleep at night knowing he can not prove his was a resident when he ran for office? Ms. Crowder's complaint is that he was not eligible to run at the time he was campaigning and was elected. Now that Murphy has had time to get all his proof to show his parents address, of course he is going to be able to prove it. This shows that Murphy has not respect for this city. The issue that he was not eligible to run and hold office is being ignored and the election commission should be investigated. How can they tell Crowder they can only look at his address as of July 16th? This is disgusting, do your job, you are here for the voters and need to look at his address prior to election. Looks like Murphy has this commission in his pocket.

Mr. Murphy aren't you embarrassed that you cannot show proof of residency when you were running for office. This is absurd., You should be forced to show your residency before you were elected. I take it personally that you are trying to pull one over on the residents of Attleboro. It is a very low move on your part that you have not come forward and given the public proof that you were a resident prior to this July 16th date. Were is your dignity and self respect? C'mon Murphy show some loyalty to your voters. You have now joined the many in what is called "dirty" politics and I have no respect for you and your lies.

No politician has EVER lied, just ask one.

Mr. McGovern, could you please explain how you know that Mr. Levinson is pulling strings behind the scenes. That is a very significant charge that should include some evidence.

@ Mr. Davis...what does it matter if he includes evidence its just going to swept under the rug anyway. I have flat out accused the district of crimes (against a child with a disability) and I have evidence and nobody cares. Pathetic!!

Brenda,Barbara and Teri , went to the hearing isn't that so nice that they were there to support their colleague .why else would they be there?

All of this political infighting is a distraction to the school district. Let's stop fighting like little kids in sandbox and focus on providing the best education for the kids in Attleboro. I feel like I am on ship with no direction.

So, now that he has changed his address to an Attleboro address it is OK that he may have deceived the voters of Attleboro. If he broke the law he should step down from his position regaurdless of how young, intelligent, motivated, capable, and reasonable he is. PATHETIC! Why didn't he show proof of residence when this whole thing started. Any reasonable person knows the answer, HE COULDN'T.

Just ONE QUESTION!? Do "All" Children HAVE to come from their HOMETOWN to go to their Town School? Just Wondering and there is EXCEPTIONS RIGHT with a cost! $$$PEACE!

@Shee G, as far as I know a child MUST "live" in Attleboro to attend school in Attleboro. I applaud those 3 members of the School Committee for their attendance at the meeting. Where was the School Committee Chairman and the rest of our elected officials. Do they think this doesn't involve the committee? It certainly does. It is laughable that the Commission is stating that the complaint can only be used as of the date it was filed. That makes no logical sense but it makes it possible for Mr. Murphy to prevail. I thought the basis of the complaint was that David was not a resident at the time he ran for office and was elected? How could this challenge then only be as of the date of the complaint. Just from hearing that, it is clear the Commission will be voting in David's favor and throwing this taxpayer and parent to the curb. This is a sad day for Attleboro. I also heard from my neighbor who was at last nights meetings, that the Chairwoman mistaking referred to Mr. Levinson as Mr. Murphy. Seems like a Freudian slip to me so I'm agreeing with Mr. McGovern on this one.

How convenient that the commission will only take the complaint in account as of July 16th. Murphy has changed all his record and now this complaint will be thrown out. What a dirty, underhanded trick on Murphy's part. How can we say he is deserving and capable and what this city needs. Are you trying to tell me the city needs, deceit, lies, media upheaval. How can this be what is best for our city and schools. Mr. Murphy has been a disappointment to Attleboro, his family and every child that attends school here. Why didn't he show proof before July 16th? Because he wasn't a resident. He thinks he has pulled one over on all of us. Voters beware, if this man runs for office again, just rember he lies and will not be true to his constituents. Is this really what we want for our children. He should be embarrased and the elections commission should be reprimanded for this blatant display of unprofessionalism. This committee is her for us. They are there for there own puposes. Lets not bash the school committee, look at this bias election commission. They know the truth and unfortunately turn a blind eye. Attleboro is turning into one of the most politically corrupt cities around. It sickens me and I am ashamed that Murphy is going to get away with this disgusting trick. This only proves his character is not worthy and that is the root of the problem on the school committtee.

Has anyone here thought of doing critical thinking. Assumptions are made about someone's motivation and voila! Suddenly they are presented as truth, as completely valid in hearing. There is no "proof" and I think the hearing will reveal this.
People jump in on one side of another and pretty soon we're at war again. Complete folly. What you say can't be your opinion presented as fact, without reason or logic to how you arrived at said opinion.
And all who are saying how disgusting Attleboro is becoming had better look again. This is a City, IMO, is on it's way to thriving again. That kind of negativity can become a self-fulfilling prophecy. Be proud of where you live, find reasons to do so. And as for it's flaws, get busy trying to make a difference. Otherwise you are just part of the basic problem.
Griping is a cheap substitute for getting off your duff.

Gretchen

You said be proud of where you live which mr Murphy should def follow. He should of been proud and provided proof up front. As far as proof, it exists I've seen it myself. Negativity is arising from the community because people are not happy. Fix the issues that are upsetting the people and maybe we can be proud of we're we live. The problem is not just here in Attleboro it's becoming state wide but this is where we live and were we want to make a difference.

@Michael Davis - what good would it do to show proof about Mr. Levinson. It would just get dismissed because he is friends witht he Mayor. You make me laugh. Look at all the evidence against Murphy and they still try to get it dismissed on a technicality. Murphy is guilty of lying to the public and changing records after the fact. He should not be allowed to serve in our city. He has made our school committee a joke and now our local government. Surrounding cities and towns cannot believe how crooked our government is. Murphy should not be able to break the rules. As for him helping and being wonderful and blah blah blah it is all baloney. He is a discredit to his community and he is the childish one. This has nothing to do with school committee, this is about someone who knowingly has cheated the voters or Attleboro and we should let him know that this won't fly in our city. There are laws in place and he is certainly not above the law. He has lied, cheated and dishonored our politcal system. How can we as a community stand for this. I could care less if this school committe, city council or the mayor; he needs to be held accountable. We need to rid our city of this type of political predator. It is time the public spoke up and request the Mr. Murphy be disqaulified from his position due to not being eligible to run for office in the first place. Next we will be supporting vigilante rule. SO SAD!!!!!

what utter tripe. Some people will say anything but where's the proof to all your wild charges?

If you really care about Attleboro you should step down Mr. Murphy. There is now a taint to your name. Most parents think it's weird A guy with no kids trying to make school rules...What is that about? You care so much? Since when? Tell us all when you decided you needed to jump in and save Attleboro Schools. What was your defining moment?

@ Gretchen...How can you be proud of such dirty politics and how can you fix it? You try and you back it up with plenty of evidence (like Ms. Crowder) and you get a bias commission. Of course Murphy is a resident now. He went and changed everything over because he was told they only have to go back to the date of the last complaint (july 16th). Murphy should have to show his proof of residency back to the time he was elected. You do not get privileges in Boston (such as a Back Bay parking permit) without showing proof of residency in Boston. How can you deny that evidence? He had a Back Bay parking pass. Anyone can check this out. How convenient it is for Mr. Murphy to flip flop back in forth. I am resident of Boston today, but I will be a resident of Attleboro tomorrow and then back to Boston next week. Be real the only truth her is that Murphy lied and the facts are there to prove it. He was a resident of Boston and got parking privileges because of it. They do not give these passes out to non residents of Boston. I know, I work in Boston and either have to take the train or park in a garage. You can only get this permit if you are a resident of Boston. This has nothing to do with people not being happy, it has to do with expecting our elected officials to be residents of Attleboro. Vendetta this vendetta that Murphy supporters are trying to turn this around into a vendetta. Truth is it is about him lying and he should not be allowed to hold his seat on SC.

Gretchen, have you even read the complaint and seen the evidence that is attached. I believe you are allowing some personal issue cloud your judgement. The proof is in black and white. If you choose to ignore this, that is your perogative; but this does not change the fact that the facts are there and you are choosing not to look at them. You need to put your personal feeling aside and take a good look at the evidence. This is solid proof that Mr. Murphy mislead the voters and said he was a resident when he was running for office. I will bet he is a resident now. But, this is not what is in question.

The Hearing is when the evidence will be presented. I trust the City to do what is right, especially when I see so many people stirring this pot who have nothing logical to say, whose own 'personal feelings' have blinded us.
I don't have any personal issues. You don't even know me. I try to assess situations on their merits. And so far there is nothing there but griping and a great hue and cry over nothing.
I am only suspicious and concerned when there is a need to be. So far the only ones I'm suspicious and concerned about are those out to dump a good committee member off the SC. Blind, negative, spiteful, hateful: that's what I see in the postings here.

I see people trying to make a difference and getting off their "duff", but it doesn't matter because of crooked politicians like Murphy and the people who think he walks on water. People are trying to make a difference, but then have real hard evidence dismissed even when it is put right in front of their nose. Murhpy has made his name as lying, sneaky politican. He is ready for Washington now. He has officially make the big leagues. Deception and putting the blame on others seem to be top qualifications for politicians these days. Your family should be real proud of you Murphy. These are the qualities every mother and father wants to see in their child.

this conversation is degenerating and I think this thread should end. Nothing new is being said. Your charges against Mr. Murphy are your opinion. That others share them doesn't mean a lot. They are not fact the hearing will, I think, rightly and fairly say there is no merit to the appeal. You can spin your wheels all you want and get bitter, but where does that get you?
I am proud of my family, my husband, a minister, and our son, a graduate of Attleboro schools. I have met Mr. Murphy once at the forum and was very impressed by his commitment. He was voted in and immediately the negativity started.

Gretchen they won't let the evidence come forward. They are only going to take the complaint in to account as of July 16th. Murphy has made all the necessary changes now and can see as of July 16th I am a resident. Ask him to prove it prior. Also lets be honest, Murphy has caused all this hate and lie business. He has put negative statements in the press everytime some other school committee member disagrees with him. How can you ignore this? He has caused so much controversy. This issue has nothing to do with school commitee. Last time I looked, Crowder was not on school committee. Again, Murphy is trying to put the focus on another school committee member to take the focus off himself. He has a clear vendetta against a fellow member or two and is trying to turn this around on them. Without evidence, people are saying that school committee members who went to the election commission meetings are backing Crowder. Where is this evidence? Murphy is starting these rumors also. I am looking at facts impartially and I see that Murphy is not addressing the true complaint. If he was a resident at the time of election, he needs to come forward and prove it. No one is challenging his residency as of the July 16th. Again, his arrogance is being perceived as him thinking the public is ignorant and stupid and he can just avoid the true allegations. This is very underhanded and not honorable. Mr. Murphy's conduct speaks for itself.

If the commission will not allow any evidence to be valid that pertains prior to July 16th, than the commission has failed the city. The complaint states that Murphy was not a resident at the time of election. How fair is this to the city. Of course this will be thrown out. The commission is ignoring the date in question. How tripe is this. How can you say this is fair and impartial? The worst part is us as a community are allowing this to happen. Does the public have a say in making the commission go back to Murphy's campaign and when he was elected to prove residency. if we do, I will gladly go to city hall and demand they go back to this time frame. Why won't he prove this to the public? It only makes one think that he really has something hide....like not being a resident at this time.

@ Gretchen... Stuff a sock in it already!!! Nobody cares about ur "support" for another liar within the district!! Why do you wear blinders?? Ur husband is a minister??....So I'm sure he does not condone crimes against children?? I am a parent of a child with a disability who might I ad has an IEP not being followed amongst many other violations, agencies have been contacted and soon when all this leaks I hope ur conscience swallows u!!!

I think everyone needs to step back and cool off. Enjoy your weekend with your families.

I just heard from a friend that the Election's Commission referenced an opinion from their lawyer during the meeting. That should make that opinion letter, assuming it is in letter form, public information. If this opinion was just verbally, which I can see this corrupt Election's Commission claiming, then it shouldn't have been used in the ruling.

So I think both the media and the person who filed this charge should officially request this legal opinion. I would not be surprised if it doesn't even exist.

Also, didn't I read that there is a rule that someone has to, by state law, live in Attleboro for one year before being elligible to run for office?

That's funny since it goes against what I heard the Election's Office was saying back in November. But they also told people that they couldn't do anything about Murphy's residency until after he was elected. The Election's Office is not doing a good job and are telling people false things. Someone should be losing their job in the Election's Office.

Does anyone know if Miss Crowder made the accusation that Mr.Murphy wasn't a citizen for the required year? If not then she should. If she did, how could they throw that one out? If it is required by law to live here for one full year before November, and Murphy can't show proof of residency from November 2010, then he should not be serving.

Attleboro Teacher....You know first hand how terrible our school have become and this all happened under the rule of Durkin. The turn over and violations started 5 years ago, hmm, this is before the prior committee and even before the snack lady and Enegren. Let's put blame where blame is do...on the Superintendent and people like Murphy are just there to support her. They even found a guy (Murphy) willing to lie about his residence to push to be elected. Attleboro Teacher you must talk to others and see first hand what goes on in the schools. Murphy is supporting this destructive behavior. As an educator you know that this is not productive for the children. The only way to initiate change is to be verbal (even in a post) and take action and improve our school system. If you step back and cool off, you will not be standing up for what is right. This is the democratic way, stand up for what is right and demand change. This is what needs to be done with the elections commission. They need to do a service to this community and investigate Murphy's residence back to one year before he was elected. Ms. Crowder please present this one year residency issue and hopefully they will be able to investigate. Murphy has violated the law and should not be able to serve on school committee. Once he is gone, I think all the fighting will stop and they can get down to business. Murphy has causes so much trouble because of his lies.

@P. Fiamma this is just as important as the Mayor and ARA. As a parent, my child is more important than anything my city, country or anything else. As a parent my child comes before anything. This why people who do not have children do not understand this issue. This thing with Murphy is a big deal because it affects my children. There is nothing more important in the world. Anyone who down plays the education of children does not have their issues prioritized. I do agree that the city will continue to be poorly run under Dumas, but this pales in comparison to an issue that affects a child. My child first, city government later. There is nothing more important in a community than the children that live there. This is why this Murphy thing should become national news and maybe then Murphy will realize he cannot use our children for his own personal reasons and gains. Murphy can't understand how a parent feels because he is not one. A parent's love for their children is stronger than any law or bond you can ever experience.

Mr. Murphy should step down immediately if his position in the community has been attained by false pretenses. If not, then it is necessary that Mr. Murphy stand and speak to the community about any and all allegations providing documented defense. If this gentleman is at all interested in the community-at large, well, facts are facts and if Mr.Murphy is holding this position unlawfully having shunned the town's election requirements, if necessary, I, too will stand shoulder to shoulder with the parents of Attleboro and this - charade - by those who We "entrust" to have the integrity in serving the community and Not placing their personal agenda fiirst. Mr. Murphy, step down! If not, call a community meeting and explain and document your position and I promise you that WBZ will be on hand to present this story on the 11:00 p newscast! the facts are the facts and those within our town halls and city halls who are responsible for assuring that our election laws and rules are upheld should call the Justice Department if necessary if in fact there is any fact that Mr. Murphy should Not be in the community leadership role he holds.

God Bless us all!

Christopher Tingus
chris.tingus@gmail.com

If Mr. Murphy has violated election law or local by-laws he should step down- it is simple - if Mr. Murphy has not violated such, he is within his Right to retain his position - it is simple - and those responsible for knowing this answer, well? It does not have to be such an emotionally charged and devisive issue and Mr. Murphy should stand tall and meet the community and if not, step down. As far as an individual with or without children, this is not the case and there are plenty of advocates who do not have children. By Monday, town clerk and whomever else should notify the residents and taxpayers of the community whether this gentleman has or has not violated town by-laws and election requirements.

This should not become a long debate, yes or no. Explain in detail.

Christopher Tingus
chris.tingus@gmail.com

Found this on the Election's Commission website while I was looking for the contact to write about how their decision and the way they are handling this issue is a travesty! This was on their website:

"It is the responsibility of the Attleboro Board of Election Commissioners to comply with all local, state and federal election laws and regulations."

I would say they have failed in their job and all four members should step down if this is how they plan to uphold the law!

I urge all Attleboro residents to contact Chairperson Hutton to tell her what they are doing is flat out wrong! This is not going to solve anything and this will not end with their fake hearing. The citizens and they shouldn't care about whether Mr.Murphy is a resident today, this needs to be about November!!!!!!! Wasn't that when the first complaint was brought to the Election's Office? Someone is upstructing justice and this should become a bigger story (network story maybe) because of that!

The email address to send your complaints to is elections1@cityofattleboro.us

It is a shame if Mr.Murphy steps down. If he does I sure hopes he runs for Mayor. He seems to have a lot of great ideas!! I would rather have him then Attleboro housewives who just looking for a battle!!

let's not bash "housewives" please.
Otherwise I agree with you. This is all trumped up by troublemakers.

We must respect Ms. Crowder's determination to take care of her child. She claims that her child was not receiving the IEP special services for her child which are REQUIRED by law. If Mrs. Durkin and her regime are not doing what the law requires, we must at least allow room for the allegations per Ms. Crowder. She's
only trying to protect her own child----a very noble thing.

Whether she is right on the matter of Mr. Murphy is for the Election Commission and/or other legal authorities to determine. The common word on the street is
that Murphy is a "plant" by the Dumas regime; but we don't know the truth of this.
We DO know that Mrs. Durkin's modus operandi is that she thinks that she answers to no one. Not so; she was hired by, and thus is answerable to, the School Comm..

This will not be 'resolved definitely' unless the election's commission bases their hearing on Murphy's residency from back in November 2011 (if not November 2010 since there is a state one year residency requirement).

No matter how much Mr.Murphy wants this to be 'resolved definitely' it won't be and will just keep on building until it goes to superior court. If Mr.Murphy really wanted to resolve this definitively then he would prove residency from November 2011. He won't so that means he can't! And if he can't then he shouldn't be serving!

The election's commission and Chair Hutton should be ashamed!

Ms. Crowder's charge, leveled at Mr. Murphy, that "you should be ashamed of yourself" is undeserved. Mr. Murphy has been the calm one, marshaling mounds of convincing evidence for this statement that his legal residence was in Attleboro.
Who deserves the shame here? Certainly not Mr. Murphy.
These charges have taken on the unpleasant taint of a vendetta. Time to climb down out of your position of utter moral certitude and turn your animosity to better, more positive uses.