Susan Murphy, mother of two, native of Skaneateles and employee of the Skaneateles Community Center is more than just a working mom.
She is the newest chairperson of the Skaneateles Republican Committee.
To get to know Murphy a little better and understand what her role is with the committee, we are offering our readers some insight into her life with a Q&A:
Tell us a little bit about the Skaneateles Republican Committee:
The Committee is made up of your neighbors and friends, people who are interested in politics and who want to select the best candidates to the various positions within the town. We are working hard to remove the old image of three old men in a smoke filled room, making decisions in a vacuum. We want our residents to know who we are and to feel comfortable calling us.
When and why did you join the committee?
I joined the committee around 1993. My mother, Barb Greenfield, was a member for several years. As a child I saw how hard she worked on the committee and how passionate she was, and that had a great impact on me. It was at that point that I realized that someday I wanted to follow in my mom’s footsteps. My mom gave me these words of advice when I became a member. She said, “You are new and you should listen to what others have to say because you will learn from them. Speak only when you have something of value to say.” She said, “People will listen to those who don’t do all the talking and chose their words very carefully when they do have something to say”.
In your opinion, what makes the Republican committee important?
I believe local government is the most responsive and accessible to our residents and that is what I believe that our committee must be, too. That is the only way we will continue to provide the best candidates for our community.
You were recently voted in as the new chairperson. Is this something that you were expecting?
Not really, but with the number of years I have been on the committee, I was ready to step up.
How do you feel about chairing the committee?
I am excited and honored to be selected by my peers. We have 16 hard working members who live in our community and want Skaneateles to stay the great place it is. Working and living right in town I feel we are all visible and very approachable. If there is an issue or problem, we are right here to listen. I have an open door policy at work and at home. Just don’t mind the dog, his bark is worse than his bite.
Are you the first woman to be in this position?
No, Barbara Schneider, was chairwoman several years ago.
Nationally there’s a big push to get a woman in the White House. What are your thoughts on this? Is it a new wave of feminism?
Women have had proven records of success in so many areas of our government that it is only natural to consider women for these positions. Geraldine Ferraro broke new ground when she was chosen to run for Vice President. She helped open doors for candidates like Hillary Clinton and now Sarah Palin. I don’t think this is a new wave of feminism; I think it is a natural acceptance of women in higher positions.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I think we as a committee have to do a better job letting the public know who we are. Sometimes it is hard to get people to go to a “political event” so we have to try to find new less intimidating ways for people to get to know us. Fundraisers don’t always mean coming with a big check. More importantly we believe in the Republican party and want to make sure it stays strong, and that will only happen if everyone has a voice.
Our next event is our Meet the Candidates Brunch at the Skaneateles Country Club. This is a wonderful event where you get to meet the candidates running for office. Everyone is invited to attend on Nov. 2 and I encourage anyone who is interested in going to contact myself or any member of the committee.
There are some exciting and new ideas and events that may come out next year. I personally can’t wait, (too early to let out any secrets). We need more people interested in running for positions. I encourage anyone who is interested to contact myself or any member of the committee.
When my youngest son, Matthew, found out about me being chair of the Republican Party, he said, “Mom that is great, when do I get to come.” I asked what he was talking about, he stated, “I heard party and I want to go to one, I love any kind of party, and they are usually quite fun.” He and I have to have a chat … but then again, maybe he is on to something.
