Q&A with Murphy
1. Why are you running for this office, whether for re-election or election the first time? Is there a particular issue that motivates you, and if so, what is that? What will be your main priority in office?
I love my job as a Commissioner. It thrills me when we close on a parcel of property and I know it will be ours forever. I like knowing that the children of the future will have a place to play and learn. It is critical that we do everything that we can to provide our children with experience in the outdoors, so they realize how important open space is. My main priority will be to keep a balanced budget. We plan ahead for five years which has worked very well for us.
2. For incumbents and non-incumbents: If you are an incumbent, describe your main contributions. Tell us of important initiatives you've led. If you are not an incumbent, tell us what contributions you would make.
I bring knowledge from my past position as an Addison Township Trustee on what the people in the area want and need. I voted for crucial land purchases along Salt Creek to prevent future flooding. I assisted in adding miles of trails for hiking and biking. Watershed property has been preserved protecting the quality of our drinking water and creating a natural buffer to guard against flooding. I voted to maintain good fiscal management by continuing our program of looking ahead with a five year plan.
3. What specific goals, i.e., potential land acquisition and/or existing preserve management and improvements, do you have in mind for your particular forest preserve district?
We just closed on fifteen acres of property on Army Trail and 53. I suggested property in Medinah, IL to be purchased to protect the wetlands and along Salt Creek to continue to alleviate flooding. We have numerous properties we are in the process of closing on. We have certain steps that have to be taken after we acquire the property. We have to decide what is best for the land, whether it be trails, restoration, protect wildlife habitat for endangered species or plant more trees to improve the air quality in our communities.
4. What are your thoughts on the forest preserve commission's decision to build an urban stream research center at the newly acquired Cenacle property in Warrenville?
I feel this is an important project. We will be partners with colleges and universities to research the health of the West Branch and its tributaries and to reintroduce species that have disappeared from portions of the river. It was chosen as the location because of its proximity to the West Branch and Springbrook Creek. It will be mainly funded by a grant for 29 million dollars from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association, to improve the water quality of the DuPage River. We have been and will continue to be a leader in good sound science.
5. What are your thoughts on the best use of the St. James Farm and Dunham forest preserves, particularly in terms of public access?
St. James Farm has been open to the public every other weekend since the end of May 2008. This property has so much potential. Equestrian use is going to be an important part of St. James Farm. We are currently working on a long term vision for this property. Dunham Forest Preserve offers unbelievable opportunities for restoration. Plans for a trail system and a restored area are in the near future. We are putting a parking lot in at this property in the fall of 2009 with an opening date of 2010.
6. Earlier this year, raises of about 3 percent were approved for forest preserve commissioners. Do you feel this pay hike is justified? If so, why? If not, why not?
Yes, I feel the raise was justified. The present board is hard working and puts in many hours working for the people of DuPage County. We are fiscally sound and I feel it was fair under these economic times.