Hey, I'm Bob Murrell! I'm a working parent and an advocate/watchdog in my spare time. New Orleans is a core part of who I am, and I believe we can make this city better -- together.
I've been in the working class my whole life. I was born at Charity Hospital, my mom was a union assistant teacher at public schools and my dad is a blue collar worker. I attended public schools and graduated from Riverdale High School. I don't come from wealth or own land or businesses, so I have to sell my labor to get by. I know first hand the challenges working people have in this city. My very first job was as a janitor when I was 15, and I've held a number of jobs since then, whether it was delivering pizzas, selling computers, fixing and servicing ATM machines, or running shipping and receiving in a warehouse. With your vote, my next job will be representing you on City Council.
I'm a leader. I studied Computer Science on scholarship at Tulane University and the University of Missouri-Columbia, and after bouncing around the job market, was able to land a job as a software developer. For over 13 years, I mostly served as a team lead and senior developer. I've led and mentored dozens of teams of workers in New Orleans and remotely around the world. I'm currently a technical project manager leading dozens of projects, and I've honed my skills in solving complex problems with workers and stakeholders to get to the root of an issue, discover the causes, and work towards finding & implementing solutions. I hold leadership positions at my church and other organizations I'm a member of, and I am a graduate of the first cohort of the Leadership Institute from Voters Organized to Educate (VOTE). My leadership skills are adaptable to the task at hand, and I can't wait to use these skills to help the interests of the many succeed.
I love spreading joy! Before becoming a parent, I've performed in community theater, improv comedy, and stand-up comedy shows around the country. I was featured on The Gambit's list of Best Comedians and was nominated for a Big Easy Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Musical. I've hosted charity events and fundraisers and have produced a number of comedy shows. I currently enjoy performing to my kids, singing karaoke, and occasionally performing in my church's summer musical. I am ready to represent constituents that don't agree with me - I've been heckled and threatened by drunk audience members, but managed to make the crowds happy. I am uniquely prepared to represent you, even if we don't agree on everything.
I'm invested in a better city for everyone. After becoming a parent, I decided to dedicate my efforts towards being an advocate and a watchdog. I'm a public school parent, I'm a member of my local neighborhood association, numerous community and national organizations, and I'm a supporter of a number of local advocacy groups and campaigns. I'm a socialist, pro-choice, I know all Black Lives Matter, and I'm an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, a Green New Deal, and universal health care. I am a recreational cyclist, and I support efforts to have a sustainable environment in and around New Orleans.
Here are some community organizing projects, campaigns, and coalitions I have been a part of:
Eye on Surveillance
Help Not Handcuffs (OPPRC)
Make Entergy Pay
New Orleans DSA endorsement campaigns (State House, BESE, DSCC)
Save Your NOLA Library
If you're read this far and you still want to know more about me, contact me at electbobmurrell@gmail.com