FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, February 21, 2022
Contact:
Devin T. Murphy Announces Run to Become Contra Costa County’s Next Clerk-Recorder
Pinole Mayor Pro Tempore, Civic Technologist wants to increase accessibility to ballot, civic education, participatory budgeting and transparency in Clerk-Recorder’s office
CONCORD, CA – Today, Pinole Mayor Pro Tempore Devin T. Murphy announced his 2022 run for Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder. He shared his vision for a Clerk-Recorder’s office that would work to increase accessibility to the ballot box and protect the right to vote, create on-the-ground efforts to increase civic education, implement a participatory budgeting process for the Clerk-Recorder’s $30 million budget, and improve transparency and community relations of the Clerk-Recorder’s office.
“We currently stand at a critical, momentous point in our history, one in which we are fighting for the very survival of our democracy and the soul of our nation. Voting is the cornerstone of our democracy. That’s why it’s important — now more than ever – that we hold a strong, united front as we combat the attacks on our democracy and our ballots.” said Devin T. Murphy. “What’s more, Contra Costa County deserves a Clerk-Recorder who will lead with empathy, integrity, and passion in serving the people who utilize the services of the office. As Clerk-Recorder, I will center the working people in our county so that no one is turned away or dismissed in the Clerk-Recorder’s office.”
Murphy, a second-generation Contra Costa County resident who lives in PInole, cited his experience as a civic technologist and small business owner who uses his strategic planning and communications skills to help government agencies, non-profit organizations, and small businesses reach hard-to-reach communities navigating social safety net programs, voting, and COVID-19 vaccination and testing.
In 2018, the Harvard University Ash Center for Democratic Governance & Innovation appointed Murphy as a Technology & Democracy Fellow to research and explore technology’s role in advancing democratic institutions and helping Americans build crucial technological skills.
Murphy claims his focus on community engagement makes him the best candidate for the role. In 2020, his campaign for city council received the highest number of votes of any candidate in Pinole’s 100-year history. Murphy vowed to do the same as he brings a people-centered, coalition-building approach to the role of Clerk-Recorder.
“During my tenure as Pinole’s Mayor Pro Tempore, I’ve worked hand-in-hand with community members to deliver a forward-thinking, inclusive agenda. I’ve helped to spearhead efforts to advance citywide and regional climate action, provide COVID-19 relief to Pinole’s residents and small business owners, reimagine our budgeting process to engage more residents in our community, and beef up the city’s IT and communications infrastructure. This could not have been possible without working with all of our neighbors, and I plan to do the same as we transform the Clerk-Recorder’s office and civic engagement in Contra Costa County,” Murphy continued.
Murphy is set to announce his candidacy more formally at his campaign kickoff this Saturday, February 26, 2022 at 11:00am at Sparacino Park in Martinez, CA. He notes it’s important that he announces during Black History Month. If elected this June, at 28, he is poised to become the first African-American and the youngest Clerk-Recorder in Contra Costa County’s 116-year history.
He plans to run a campaign rooted in direct voter contact to connect with as many residents as possible to garner input and support on how to expand civic participation.
More information on the campaign can be found at www.devintmurphy.com.
The election will take place on Tuesday, June 7th, 2022.
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Devin T. Murphy is a small business owner, civic technologist, collaborative leader, and serves as Mayor Pro Tempore for the City of Pinole. Devin is to catalyze opportunities across Contra Contra Costa County by increasing public engagement and seeking opportunities for those most vulnerable and disengaged from the electoral system to wholly engage and navigate their local government. He is running for Clerk-Recorder to ensure we bring every resident to the decision-making table. More information can be found at www.devintmurphy.com.