EVERETT—Former Everett City Councilmember Scott Murphy announced on Tuesday, May 14, he will run for Mayor of the City of Everett in 2025.

“Public safety, homelessness and crime remain huge problems and the city’s finances are a mess,” said Murphy. “It’s time after six years that we change our current trend and restore our city to a place where we can begin to really tackle the issues our community is seeing every day in our neighborhoods and on our streets.  Everett has been a great city and we can’t sit by and allow Everett to slide downhill like other cities.”

Scott Murphy, a Democrat, served on the City Council from 2013 through 2021 where he demonstrated a strong commitment to investing in public safety, police, fire and emergency medical aid services, and other essential utility services including water, sewer and streets and their importance on public health and safety.

“Whether it is the increasing number of unhoused individuals, public drug use, the city’s worsening budget deficit, or just not feeling safe when out and about in Everett, any way you cut it, we are worse off than we were six years ago,” said Murphy. “Cassie Franklin has convened multiple political task forces over the years, yet things keep getting worse. Cassie Franklin proposed a 44% increase in the city’s property tax portion that will pass through to Everett residents and businesses. Expenses have ballooned since I left the City Council in 2021 and it’s time for serious fiscal accountability!”

Former Everett Councilmember Brenda Stonecipher said, “Scott is uniquely qualified to be Mayor of Everett. We worked together on the City Council for nine years and there was a mutual respect between us. Scott understands the city budget, the financial problems facing the city, and the community we serve. I am confident that Scott will engage the City Council and our community in an open and transparent process to identify ways to improve efficiency and do more with the resources that are available.

“I also believe Scott will continue to support public safety, including fire and police where Scott is a strong advocate. Scott recognizes that the city’s efforts to address street-level impacts of the substance abuse crisis have not worked and the insufficient progress in providing adequate housing options are of paramount importance. I believe Scott will approach these issues with fresh energy and ideas. Every city needs the right kind of leadership at the right time. I have a high regard for Scott, and I believe he is the Mayor that Everett needs now.”

Initial endorsers include former Everett Mayor Ed Hansen; former Everett Councilmembers Brenda Stonecipher, Bill Rucker, Rich Anderson, Shannon Affholter, Gigi Burke, Ron Gipson and Connie Niva; and former School Board Member Kristie Dutton.

“Scott Murphy’s community stewardship along with his business and strong financial experience set him apart from the current Mayor,” said Rich Anderson, former Everett Councilmember and a retired Certified Public Accountant. “Scott has the integrity and character to lead the city with sound planning and better judgment.”

“I intend to challenge the mayor on a number of issues, and will provide the citizens with a clear account of where this Mayor has failed, and what my plans will include. I am committed to campaigning the next year and a half to be elected, and to do my best if elected to work night and day to address our citizens’ concerns,” said Murphy.

Murphy has lived in Everett for 32 years and he and his wife Kippy raised their 3 children in Everett. In addition to serving on the City Council, Murphy served 16 years as President and COO of Goldfinch Brothers Inc. where he was instrumental in the company’s expansion and growth. Goldfinch Brothers is a six-generation family-owned local Everett business with over a century of success in the construction industry.

Murphy’s community service includes serving as Board President, Everett Public Facilities District (Everett Events Center); Board Chair, Community Foundation of Snohomish County; President, Everett Public Schools Foundation; President and Coach, North Everett Little League; Board Member, Providence Hospital General Foundation; Co-Chair (with Kippy), Providence Festival of Trees; and Board Member, Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Snohomish County.

Other community members endorsing Scott Murphy include Larry O’Donnell; Jack and Mary Ellen O’Donnell; Chris Adams; Phil and Scuttle Bannan; Bob and Christy Andre; Mike Deller; Carlton Gipson; Dan and Ash Gunderson; Phil and Kelly Johnson; Jim and Sharon Langus; Si and Lisa Newland; Retired Everett Police Captain Greg Lineberry; Pat and Angie Sievers; Jack and Marilyn Courrier; Morrie Trautman and Larry and Linda Jubie. For a complete list of current endorsements please visit: www.electscottmurphy.com.