Patrick Murphy, Glendale City Council candidate, highlights high electricity rates and warns of "existential threat" from transit plan and SB 79

Patrick Murphy, a candidate for the Glendale City Council, laid out his platform in a brief statement that focused on utility costs, city spending and a proposed transit project. "If elected to the Glendale City Council, I will be guided by the principles of service, fiscal responsibility, transparency, public engagement, and respect for the community," Murphy said.

Murphy singled out utility prices as a central concern, saying, "Electricity rates are double the national average and approximately 40% higher than our neighboring city, Burbank, which is also a power generating city." He framed that issue as part of a broader fiscal picture: "Our budget in 2020 was $840,000,000. In 2024, it ballooned to 1,300,000,000.0, which is a 50% plus increase when inflation was 21% during the same period," Murphy said.

He also warned that a proposed bus rapid transit line, combined "with the recently passed SB 79," represents what he called "an existential threat to our city." Murphy did not provide additional details about the specific provisions of SB 79 or the transit proposal during his remarks.

Beyond those headline issues, Murphy described his governing priorities as practical problem solving, responsible stewardship of public resources and clear communication with residents. He added that he values "public safety, well maintained neighborhoods, and a strong local economy powered by small business." He said he supports "thoughtful, well planned growth that respects Glendale's unique history and character" and pledged to listen to residents.

Murphy closed by urging community collaboration: "I'm ready to work for the people to find solutions for Glendale. Let's make Glendale better together." The remarks were a campaign statement; no votes, motions or formal council actions were recorded during this segment.