But when it comes to zoning—an issue of eternal controversy among activists in Cambridge, since compromises must be made between interests of business and residents—Murphy shows his practical side.

“Ultimately, it’s about being pragmatic and realistic in your goals,” Murphy says, adding that he would have voted for the rezoning of much of the city that passed last February, even though many activists protested that key neighborhoods had been left out.

CCA leader Born created much of that zoning—but the other councillors of her party were the only dissenters.

“We’re going to miss Kathy’s lead on zoning issues especially,” Murphy says.

As for the problem of Cambridge’s well-funded but low-scoring schools, Murphy is not afraid to state the obvious.

“I think what we need to do is take a look at the school budget and make sure that the resources are being well-appropriated,” Murphy says. “I think some of the question is—are children arriving at the high school with the same level of preparation?”

Local pundit Glenn S. Koocher ’71 says that voters are looking for someone like Murphy—but his problem might be that he actually will win a seat, and thus face the tedium of the council’s long-running Monday night meetings, which have been known to involve two-hour debates on historical trees.

“In Cambridge, you have your regular group of Monday night season ticket holders,” Koocher says. “What he’s going to find out is that when he gets elected, he’s going to have to serve.”

—Staff writer Lauren R. Dorgan can be reached at dorgan@fas.harvard.edu.