Firefighter seeks council seat

A volunteer firefighter is among those seeking election to the Green River City Council in Ward I.

Tom Murphy is one of three residents seeking election in the ward, who will replace Mark Peterson as the council representative. Murphy said one of the major issues he wants to push if elected to the council is investigating if a return on investment is high enough to justify an expense. Murphy believes this outlook is especially important as the city continues to deal with decreasing sales tax revenue. Specifically, Murphy said the city should not be spending for special interest projects unless they will provide a certain return on investment.

“I realize it’s hard for the employees, but it’s better than being told, ‘sorry, we’re laying you off,’” Murphy said. “If we’re going to spend money in Green River, I want to see the biggest bang for our buck.”

A reduction in force at the city is something Murphy does not want to see and believes positions should be scrutinized before a job opening is advertised.

Murphy does believe certain positions, such as those in the Green River Police Department, will always be needed.

Public service is nothing new to Murphy. He has served the community as a volunteer firefighter with the Green River Fire Department for more than a decade, currently working as the department’s prevention chief. He and his wife Lyneen also host the Green River Pond and Garden Tour, which also acts as a fundraiser for area residents in need.

As a councilman, Murphy hopes to continue the years of community service he’s provided to Green River during the 15 years he has lived in the city. He sees the position as another avenue he can use to help Green River’s residents.

“It’s a good calling,” Murphy said.