Alan Murphy: Candidate Profile

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Note: Answers provided have not been edited for grammar, misspellings or typos. In some instances, candidate claims that could not be immediately verified have been omitted. Jump to:BioQA Bio City: West ChicagoWebsite: electalmurphy@yahoo.comOffice sought: DuPage County Forest Preserve District 6 Age: 52Family: I have been married for almost 30 years to my wife Tammie. We have 25 year old twins, Jake Caitlin, and our youngest is 23 year old Tyler. I also have 2 dogs, Madison and Tia that I consider part of my family.Occupation: Owner of Murphy Ace HarwareEducation: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from University of Wisconsin.Civic involvement: Lion's Club, Boy Scouts, Alderman-city of West Chicago, Chamber of CommerceElected offices held: City of West Chicago Alderman for Ward 7,4 and 'at large'. Former president of of West Chicago Lion's Club.Questions Answers Outline two initiatives you have to improve the forest preserve district.1. Better access to the forest preserves; It is important to improve accessibility for all residents, including individuals with special needs. This would include improving bike/hiking trails and increasing more handicapped accessibility throughout the preserves. 2. Better educational opportunities; I believe the forest preserve needs to increase educational opportunities for residents, especially the younger generations, to ensure the understanding of ecology and how nature is an important part of our daily lives.What role should be the forest preserve district play in preserving historic buildings on its land?The main purpose and responsibility of the forest preserve is to preserve open spaces and protect the environment. However, the Forest Preserve District should work with other local organizations to address preservation of historic buildings.Are you satisfied with how the district responded to complaints from volunteers about the treatment of horses at the Danada Equestrian Center? Why or why not? Does more need to be done?The Forest Preserve has stepped up to take action in addressing the majority of the complaints regarding treatment of horses at Danada Equestrian Center. I am happy with the progress up to this point but ensuring proper care and treatment of the horses should be a continuing priority.Do you think forest preserve members should receive pensions? Why or why not? If elected, will you accept a pension?The state legislature controls the pension offering and no I will not be taking a pension at this time.The forest preserve district has been approached by several agencies looking to use its land for other purposes. Describe your position on such requests and if it is ever appropriate to develop forest preserve land for non-forest preserve activities.Forest preserve land should remain protected and preserved. There are other entities available to fill needs of non-forest preserve functions, such as park districts, etc.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?I feel the forest preserve is doing a good job but has great opportunities for improvement. My goal is to increase education, services, accessibility and leadership while maintaining financially responsible to the tax payers.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.I am inspired by Peter Roskam because he is true to his word and works very hard for what he believes in.What's the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?My father taught me you only get back what you put into a project.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?Mistakes are the lessons of life. I do not regret anything in my past because it has made me who I am today.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?I have always enjoyed math, which is used in my daily life running a successful business.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?You are in control of where life goes so choose what makes you happy.