Al Murphy: 2024 candidate for DuPage County Forest Preserve Board District 6

Bio

Party: Republican

Office Sought: DuPage County Forest Preserve Commissioner District 6

City: West Chicago

Age: 62

Occupation: Owner, Murphy Ace Hardware

Previous offices held: Aldermen, City of West Chicago

Why are you running for this office, whether for reelection or election for the first time? Is there a particular issue that motivates you? If so, what?

I grew up using the Forest Preserves and have enjoyed them. I have three children that are now adults and we used the Preserves while they were growing up. I have two sons that achieved the rank of Eagle Scout when they we younger. I want to preserve the land we have now for today’s generation as well as tomorrow. The Forest Preserve not only allows us a place to camp, relax, enjoy the outdoors, but it also is a filter providing clean air and water for our environment.

If you are an incumbent, describe your two biggest contributions to the board. If you are a non-incumbent, describe two ways you would contribute to the board.

I have worked hard for the citizens of District 6. While in office we have been able to accomplish many things. I have pushed for many completed projects:

Fair Oaks trail connection, Cromwell Drive trail connection, Herrick Lake, St. James Farm equestrian arena, St. James restoration project, Blackwell restoration; Hanover Park: Bartlett Dog Park in Hawk Hollow, model airplane field in Wayne, Bartlett Trail connection, Munger Road, Beaver Pond flood water relief project.

Currently working on a bridge replacement for Cenacle bridge in Warrenville, as well as completion of a connector bridge over the West Branch of the DuPage River and Roosevelt Road. There are many more projects that I would like to complete.

What role should the forest preserve play in preserving historic buildings on its land?

First and foremost we are the Forest Preserve, not the Historic Building Department. Second we have to really analyze any real historic event or anything occurred at said building. But we must focus on our mission.

How would you rate the job the commission is doing to develop existing forest preserves and make them accessible to residents? How would you approach things differently?

I will refer to the 90-10 rule.

The 90 is for the Forest Preserve to preserve 90% of the land for preservation … to hold it and let nature take its course. The 10% is for the citizens to use for recreation.

What is the most important issue facing the forest preserves in your district and how should it be addressed?

I believe we are addressing it through the current referendum that is on the ballot this fall.

Earlier this year, some suggested that the 1996 state law that established a separate forest preserve board in DuPage County should be undone and that the forest preserve should be returned to the control of the county board. Do you support that idea? Why or why not?

We need to keep the two boards separate to remove any conflicts of interest with development.