Bob Murphy announces bid for second term as Lakewood mayor

Bob Murphy

LAKEWOOD  – Mayor Bob Murphy will seek a second term as the city’s top elected official, his campaign announced Wednesday.

Murphy, who represented Ward 2 on City Council before his election as mayor in 2007, also has served on the city’s Planning Commission and is the immediate past chairman of the Metro Mayors Caucus. He is a 20-year Lakewood resident.

In announcing his candidacy, Murphy said his goal is to ensure the city is safe, fiscally sound and remains well maintained.

“I have dedicated the past 20 years of my life to Lakewood – both in serving its citizens but also as a small business owner, husband and father – because Lakewood is a wonderful place to live, work and play,” Murphy said. “I want every person in Lakewood to have the highest quality of life. Working closely with City Council, City Staff and the citizens of Lakewood, I will continue to focus on smart budgeting, increased sustainability within the City and support for more transit options.”

Under Murphy’s four-year tenure, the city General Fund reserves increased from about $19.5 million in 2007 to more than $28 million in 2010.  The 40 percent increase was achieved without furloughs or cuts in city services. In 2009, Murphy and City Council eliminated the city’s sales tax on food, responding to a petition drive calling for an end to the tax.

Murphy also helped guide the relocation of St. Anthony Central Hospital to the Federal Center campus, bringing 1,200 primary jobs to the city.  Murphy also played a lead role in bringing the first Boys and Girls Club to Jefferson County and lobbying the Jeffco School Board to spare O’Connell Middle School, where the club is located, from closure.

Also during Murphy’s tenure as Mayor, crime in the city dropped 10 percent, keeping pace with a nationwide trend.

“In the past four years, Mayor Murphy has cut taxes and looked for creative ways to build public-private partnerships to bring jobs to Lakewood. Business leaders embrace his innovative ideas and practical solutions to cut red tape and retain businesses here in Lakewood,” said Sahsha Powell-Graves, a member of a family-owned business in Lakewood and President of the West Colfax Community Association.

Murphy owns a Lakewood-based food brokerage firm. In addition to his leadership role in the Metro Mayors Caucus, an organization of 40 mayors, Murphy also was chair of the group’s FasTracks Task Force.  He also has collaborated with other public and private sector individuals on many key pieces of legislation, both the State and Federal level. Murphy also is the recipient of the Jefferson Economic Council’s 2010 Elected Official of the Year award.

“Bob raised a family within Lakewood and understands the needs of the community and citizens. Through his years as City Councilor and Mayor, Bob has worked tirelessly on behalf of our neighborhoods,” said Ward 2 Councilman Scott Koop. “He truly cares about each and every neighborhood and understands that we are the heart of the community.”

Murphy will officially kick-off his campaign in June.