State College Borough Councilman Dan Murphy resigns. Here’s what he said — and what comes next
Citing his physical and mental health, State College Borough Councilman Dan Murphy submitted his surprise resignation Monday — leaving the council to find a replacement through 2021.
Murphy, 38, was the young professional of the borough council, but he didn’t shy away from introducing legislation. Most recently, he penned a heartfelt letter in June that laid the foundation for the council’s detailed resolution on police reform — which included a pledge to form an oversight board.
“I will be forever grateful for the trust State College has placed in me,” Murphy said. “At the same time, that has taken an incredible toll on my physical and mental health, something I had not fully appreciated until the death of my father in May.
“I’ve always believed that our community deserves our best. I cannot apply that standard to others without applying it to myself. I believe the best thing that I can do for State College right now is to step aside.”
According to council President Jesse Barlow, he will likely propose filling Murphy’s spot in a manner similar to the appointment of interim Mayor Ron Filippelli. Barlow plans to ask borough residents to apply, have the council listen to their 5-minute pitches and then have each council member nominate someone.
Each nomination will then be voted on by the council, and the first candidate to receive four votes will carry out Murphy’s term until January 2022. (Murphy was elected in 2017.)
Barlow couldn’t speak to the specifics of the timetable just yet — he hoped sometime before October’s end — and more information is expected to be released on the process in the coming days and weeks.
For now, though, Barlow and other council members simply wanted to thank Murphy for his work.
“I just want to say that I’m saddened to hear this news,” Barlow told Murphy, State College’s first openly gay elected official. “I wish you all the luck in the world — and I hope you’ll consider public office sometime in the future again.”
Added councilman Evan Myers, on Tuesday morning: “From a personal and governmental standpoint I am sorry to see Dan Murphy leave; in many ways, he was the conscience of Council. He was a steady and reasoned advocate for the people of the borough, especially those who have been marginalized and forgotten. His strong voice in defense of justice and human rights will be missed. My wish is that his replacement carries on his legacy.”
As it stands, the next scheduled regular borough council meeting will be Sept. 14.
This story was originally published August 17, 2020 at 9:55 PM.
