Murphy to step down from Oneonta Common Council
May 2—Oneonta Common Council member Luke Murphy, a Democrat who represents the city's First Ward, has announced his resignation effective June 1.
Murphy was elected to the council in 2019 as a write-in candidate and re-elected in November after running unopposed.
He said in an email to his constituents early Thursday morning that he and his partner, Vanisha Sharma, plan to move to Seattle in June.
Sharma has accepted a research position at the University of Washington, and Murphy plans to work in the university's Botanic Gardens.
Murphy has been a long-term substitute teacher at Oneonta High School, and earned his teaching certificate in January. He also worked as an education coordinator at Hanford Mills Museum.
"Thank you for giving me the opportunity to represent [our] neighborhood at City Hall," he said in the email.
In his time on the council, Murphy has supported resolutions and legislation around social justice and public health.
Mayor Mark Drnek said that during his more than four years on the council, Murphy "has been a staunch advocate for his constituency.
"His continuing outreach through regular ward meetings and other neighborhood connections has kept him current with their concerns, issues, and aspirations, and he has been a facilitator for solutions and opportunities," Drnek said.
Murphy also consistently voiced his appreciation of those in city government whose efforts might otherwise have gone unsung, he said.
"I know I join all on the council, and everyone in the city, in expressing our gratitude for his service," Drnek said, "and wishing him continued success and happiness as he begins this next chapter of his life."
