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Reading Secretary
Karen Gately Herrick
At-large · 7 terms in this record
Karen Herrick
A monthly email on how they voted, starting in November.
Board years
Record at a glance · 2026–2027 Board
On split votes, Herrick voted the same way as…
- Sal Bramante50% (3 of 6)
- Melissa Murphy33% (2 of 6)
- Chris Haley17% (1 of 6)
- Karen Rose-Gillis17% (1 of 6)
How these numbers work
- Counted from the official minutes, for 2026–2027 Board only. Committee meetings and routine votes (adjourning, approving minutes) are not counted.
- Attendance counts the meetings where the minutes list Herrick as present or absent at the start.
- Only votes the minutes record member by member are counted. Voice votes and votes given only as a count (for example 6-3 with no names) are not.
- Percentages are shown only when there are at least 10 meetings or votes to count.
- A split vote is one where at least one member voted yes and another voted no. “In the minority” means on the side with fewer votes; ties are not counted.
- “Whole board” combines every member’s record for the same term.
These numbers describe the record; they are not a grade. A no vote, an abstention or a minority vote is neither good nor bad. MassVoter never rates officials.
In the news
No recent stories found that name Karen Gately Herrick in the headline or opening.
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Disclosure: MassVoter’s founder, Michael Silvia, is the publisher of Fall River Reporter and New Bedford Guide.
Attendance
At the start of 11 of 11 Select Board meetings in 2026–2027 Board.
Missed none.
Every meeting (11)
- Sep 8, 2026 · Joint: Present
- Aug 4, 2026 · Regular: Present (Karen Gately Herrick arrived after the meeting began (7:02pm).)
- Jul 28, 2026 · Regular: Present
- Jul 14, 2026 · Joint: Present
- Jun 23, 2026 · Regular: Present (Karen Gately Herrick arrived after the meeting began (7:03pm).)
- Jun 9, 2026 · Regular: Present
- May 26, 2026 · Regular: Present
- May 12, 2026 · Regular: Present (Karen Gately Herrick took part remotely.)
- May 6, 2026 · Regular: Present
- May 2, 2026 · Special: Present (Karen Gately Herrick left the meeting before it ended.)
- Apr 14, 2026 · Regular: Present (Karen Gately Herrick took part remotely.)
Votes where members disagreed · 2026–2027 Board
Sep 8Respond to the August 18, 2026, Open Meeting Law…Motion: Chris Haley moved that the Select Board respond to the August…Passed 3–2 · Herrick: No
September 8, 2026 (Joint meeting): Respond to the August 18, 2026, Open Meeting Law Complaint that there was no finding that an Open Meeting Law violation had occurred
Chris Haley moved that the Select Board respond to the August 18, 2026, Open Meeting Law Complaint that there was no finding that an Open Meeting Law violation had occurred. The motion was seconded by Karen Gately Herrick. Karen Gately Herrick stated that she would not be inclined to vote in support of the motion, as she believes the Board should recommit to operating within the Open Meeting Law and taking the training. Karen Rose-Gillis stated that the violation felt like a "gray area" and there is no harm in reviewing the Open Meeting Law Training. The motion passed by a vote of 3-2. Roll call vote: Karen Gately Herrick - No, Karen Rose-Gillis - No, Melissa Murphy - Yes, Chris Haley - Yes, Sal Bramante - Yes.
Voted: No
Yes: Bramante, Haley, MurphyNo: Herrick, Rose-Gillis
From the minutes
“Chris Haley moved that the Select Board respond to the August 18, 2026, Open Meeting Law Complaint that there was no finding that an Open Meeting Law violation had occurred. The motion was seconded by Karen Gately Herrick. Karen Gately Herrick stated that she would not be inclined to vote in support of the motion, as she believes the Board should recommit to operating within the Open Meeting Law and taking the training. Karen Rose-Gillis stated that the violation felt like a "gray area" and there is no harm in reviewing the Open Meeting Law Training. The motion passed by a vote of 3-2. Roll call vote: Karen Gately Herrick - No, Karen Rose-Gillis - No, Melissa Murphy - Yes, Chris Haley - Yes, Sal Bramante - Yes..” (Motion: Haley, second: Herrick)
Sep 8Find that no Open Meeting Law violation occurred on…Motion: Chris Haley moved, in response to the August 31, 2026, complaint,…Passed 4–1 · Herrick: No
September 8, 2026 (Joint meeting): Find that no Open Meeting Law violation occurred on the August 31, 2026 complaint and authorize Town Counsel to respond
Chris Haley moved, in response to the August 31, 2026, complaint, that the Select Board finds that no violation occurred and authorizes Town Counsel to respond accordingly. The motion was seconded by Sal Bramante and passed by a vote of 4-1. Roll call vote: Karen Gately Herrick - No, Karen Rose-Gillis - Yes, Chris Haley - Yes, Sal Bramante - Yes, Melissa Murphy - Yes.
Voted: No
Yes: Bramante, Haley, Murphy, Rose-GillisNo: Herrick
From the minutes
“Chris Haley moved, in response to the August 31, 2026, complaint, that the Select Board finds that no violation occurred and authorizes Town Counsel to respond accordingly. The motion was seconded by Sal Bramante and passed by a vote of 4-1. Roll call vote: Karen Gately Herrick - No, Karen Rose-Gillis - Yes, Chris Haley - Yes, Sal Bramante - Yes, Melissa Murphy - Yes..” (Motion: Haley, second: Bramante)
Jul 28Put an override request of $6.5 million on the…Motion: Karen Gately Herrick moved to put an override request of $6.5…Passed 4–1 · Herrick: Yes
July 28, 2026: Put an override request of $6.5 million on the State Election Ballot in November 2026
Karen Gately Herrick moved to put an override request of $6.5 million on the State Election Ballot in November 2026. The motion was seconded by Sal Bramante and approved by a vote of 4-1, with Karen Rose-Gillis opposed, as she was in favor of a tiered ballot question. Roll Call Vote: Chris Haley - Yes, Sal Bramante - Yes, Karen Rose-Gillis - No, Karen Gately Herrick - Yes, Melissa Murphy - Yes
Voted: Yes
Yes: Bramante, Haley, Herrick, MurphyNo: Rose-Gillis
From the minutes
“Karen Gately Herrick moved to put an override request of $6.5 million on the State Election Ballot in November 2026. The motion was seconded by Sal Bramante and approved by a vote of 4-1, with Karen Rose-Gillis opposed, as she was in favor of a tiered ballot question. Roll Call Vote: Chris Haley - Yes, Sal Bramante - Yes, Karen Rose-Gillis - No, Karen Gately Herrick - Yes, Melissa Murphy - Yes.” (Motion: Herrick, second: Bramante)
Jul 14Appoint Jason Clarke to the vacant seat on the…Motion: Melissa Murphy moved to appoint Jason Clarke to the vacant seat…Failed 2–3 · Herrick: Yes
July 14, 2026 (Joint meeting): Appoint Jason Clarke to the vacant seat on the Board of Library Trustees
Melissa Murphy moved to appoint Jason Clarke to the vacant seat on the Board of Library Trustees. The motion failed by a vote of 2 - 3, with Karen Rose-Gillis, Chris Haley, and Melissa Murphy opposed. Roll Call Vote: Karen Gately Herrick - Yes, Karen Rose-Gillis - No, Chris Haley - No, Sal Bramante - Yes, Melissa Murphy - No
Voted: Yes
Yes: Bramante, HerrickNo: Haley, Murphy, Rose-GillisJoint meeting with the Board of Library Trustees; the Select Board voted separately. The minutes name the three members opposed; the other two Select Board members voted yes (roll call in the minutes).
From the minutes
“Melissa Murphy moved to appoint Jason Clarke to the vacant seat on the Board of Library Trustees. The motion failed by a vote of 2 - 3, with Karen Rose-Gillis, Chris Haley, and Melissa Murphy opposed. Roll Call Vote: Karen Gately Herrick - Yes, Karen Rose-Gillis - No, Chris Haley - No, Sal Bramante - Yes, Melissa Murphy - No.” (Motion: Murphy)
Jun 23Appoint Robert McSheffrey as a member of the Community…Motion: Karen Gately Herrick moved to appoint Robert McSheffrey as a member…Passed 3–2 · Herrick: Yes
June 23, 2026: Appoint Robert McSheffrey as a member of the Community Planning and Development Commission term beginning immediately, and expiring June 30, 2028
Karen Gately Herrick moved to appoint Robert McSheffrey as a member of the Community Planning and Development Commission term beginning immediately, and expiring June 30, 2028. The motion was seconded by Sal Bramante and approved by a vote of 3-2, with Chris Haley and Karen Rose-Gillis opposed.
Voted: Yes
Yes: Bramante, Herrick, MurphyNo: Haley, Rose-Gillis
From the minutes
“Karen Gately Herrick moved to appoint Robert McSheffrey as a member of the Community Planning and Development Commission term beginning immediately, and expiring June 30, 2028. The motion was seconded by Sal Bramante and approved by a vote of 3-2, with Chris Haley and Karen Rose-Gillis opposed..” (Motion: Herrick, second: Bramante)
Jun 23Appoint Carl McFadden as the Select Board designee for…Motion: Karen Gately Herrick moved to appoint Carl McFadden as the Select…Passed 4–1 · Herrick: No
June 23, 2026: Appoint Carl McFadden as the Select Board designee for the Reading Ice Arena Authority term beginning July 1, 2026, and expiring June 30, 2029
Karen Gately Herrick moved to appoint Carl McFadden as the Select Board designee for the Reading Ice Arena Authority term beginning July 1, 2026, and expiring June 30, 2029. The motion was seconded by Chris Haley and approved by a vote of 4-1, with Karen Gately Herrick opposed.
Voted: No
Yes: Bramante, Haley, Murphy, Rose-GillisNo: Herrick
From the minutes
“Karen Gately Herrick moved to appoint Carl McFadden as the Select Board designee for the Reading Ice Arena Authority term beginning July 1, 2026, and expiring June 30, 2029. The motion was seconded by Chris Haley and approved by a vote of 4-1, with Karen Gately Herrick opposed..” (Motion: Herrick, second: Haley)
Jun 9Set the FY27 second water meter rate at $…Motion: Karen Gately Herrick moved to set the FY27 second water meter…Passed 4–0 · Herrick: Yes
June 9, 2026: Set the FY27 second water meter rate at $ 12. 30
Karen Gately Herrick moved to set the FY27 second water meter rate at $ 12. 30. The motion was seconded by Sal Bramante and approved by a vote of 4-0.
Voted: Yes
Yes: Bramante, Haley, Herrick, Rose-GillisThe minutes say: “Melissa Murphy recused herself from the vote on second water meter rates as she has a second water meter.” Melissa Murphy is not shown voting; the count (4-0) matches the other members present, who are shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“Karen Gately Herrick moved to set the FY27 second water meter rate at $ 12. 30. The motion was seconded by Sal Bramante and approved by a vote of 4-0..” (Motion: Herrick, second: Bramante)
May 26Approve the Annual All A- lcohol Restaurant Liquor License…Motion: Karen Gately Herrick moved to approve the Annual All A- lcohol…Passed 4–0 · Herrick: Yes
May 26, 2026: Approve the Annual All A- lcohol Restaurant Liquor License for Bean Bar&rel LLC, d/ b/a Bean & Bar el, located at 45 High Street
Karen Gately Herrick moved to approve the Annual All A- lcohol Restaurant Liquor License for Bean Bar&rel LLC, d/ b/a Bean & Bar el, located at 45 High Street. The motion was seconded by Karen Rose -Gillis and approved by a vote of 4-0.Public learitagiL, Qiscuss and Vote on FY27 Non -Union Clas if cation and Compensation Plan Karen Gately Herrick read the Hearing Notice to open the Public Hearing.
Voted: Yes
Yes: Bramante, Herrick, Murphy, Rose-GillisThe minutes say: “Chris Haley recused himself from this vote as an abutter.” Chris Haley is not shown voting; the count (4-0) matches the other members present, who are shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“Karen Gately Herrick moved to approve the Annual All A- lcohol Restaurant Liquor License for Bean Bar&rel LLC, d/ b/a Bean & Bar el, located at 45 High Street. The motion was seconded by Karen Rose -Gillis and approved by a vote of 4-0.Public learitagiL, Qiscuss and Vote on FY27 Non -Union Clas if cation and Compensation Plan Karen Gately Herrick read the Hearing Notice to open the Public Hearing..” (Motion: Herrick, second: Rose-Gillis)
May 12Approve Amendment 2026- 1 to the Traffic and Parking…Motion: Karen Rose -Gillis moved to approve Amendment 2026- 1 to the…Passed 4–0 · Herrick: Yes
May 12, 2026: Approve Amendment 2026- 1 to the Traffic and Parking Regulations as presented
Karen Rose -Gillis moved to approve Amendment 2026- 1 to the Traffic and Parking Regulations as presented. The motion was seconded by Sal Bramante and approved by a vote of 4-0. Roll Call Vote: Melissa Murphy - Yes, Karen Gately Herrick -Yes, Sal Bramante -Yes, Karen Rose -Gillis - Yes
Voted: Yes
Yes: Bramante, Herrick, Murphy, Rose-GillisThe roll call does not list Chris Haley, who was at the meeting, so that member is left out of this vote.
From the minutes
“Karen Rose -Gillis moved to approve Amendment 2026- 1 to the Traffic and Parking Regulations as presented. The motion was seconded by Sal Bramante and approved by a vote of 4-0. Roll Call Vote: Melissa Murphy - Yes, Karen Gately Herrick -Yes, Sal Bramante -Yes, Karen Rose -Gillis - Yes.” (Motion: Rose-Gillis, second: Bramante)
May 12Approve Amendment 2026- 2 to the Traffic and Parking…Motion: Karen Rose -Gillis moved to approve Amendment 2026- 2 to the…Passed 4–0 · Herrick: Yes
May 12, 2026: Approve Amendment 2026- 2 to the Traffic and Parking Regulations as presented
Karen Rose -Gillis moved to approve Amendment 2026- 2 to the Traffic and Parking Regulations as presented. The motion was seconded by Sal Bramante and approved by a vote of 4. 0. Roll Call Vote: Melissa Murphy - Yes, Karen Gately Herrick -Yes, Sal Bramante -Yes
Voted: Yes
Yes: Bramante, Herrick, Murphy, Rose-GillisThe roll call lists Melissa Murphy, Karen Gately Herrick, Sal Bramante and Karen Rose-Gillis, all yes (Ms. Rose-Gillis’s “Yes” is printed after a heading in the posted text); Chris Haley is not listed and is left out of this vote.
From the minutes
“Karen Rose -Gillis moved to approve Amendment 2026- 2 to the Traffic and Parking Regulations as presented. The motion was seconded by Sal Bramante and approved by a vote of 4. 0. Roll Call Vote: Melissa Murphy - Yes, Karen Gately Herrick -Yes, Sal Bramante -Yes.” (Motion: Rose-Gillis, second: Bramante)
Votes with no disagreement (43)
From the Reading Select Board’s official minutes, posted in the town’s Public Records Archive (Minutes > Select Board). We check every vote against the Select Board members present and quote the exact wording. MassVoter never grades or scores officials. Photos: Reading Patch candidate profiles, courtesy of the candidates (Melissa Murphy, Karen Gately Herrick, Chris Haley), and The Reading Post candidacy announcements (Karen Rose-Gillis, Sal Bramante). The town’s website has no member photos.
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