Martin Durkan: 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: ChicagoWebsite: friendsformarty.comTwitter: Candidate did not respond.Facebook: Candidate did not respond.Office sought: Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Age: 45Family: Wife and four childrenOccupation: Business Representative, International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150Education: Candidate did not respond.Civic involvement: Appointed and twice elected as Trustee of $5.5 billion Chicago Municipal Employees Annuity Benefit Fund, where I served until 2013.I coached sports for all four of my children:Basketball Coach- Catholic Youth OrganizationFootball Coach- Park RIdge and St. Juliana ParishBaseball Coach- Niles and Oriole ParkVolleyball Coach- St. Juliana ParishSoftball Coach- Various travel teamsElected offices held: Trustee, Chicago Municipal Employees Annuity Benefit FundQuestions Answers The board continues to be dominated by officials from the city as opposed to the suburbs. Do you support reforming the way the board is elected to ensure more balanced representation?While I am a resident of the City of Chicago, my daily responsibilities include the representation of workers in more than 40 suburbs in Cook and the collar counties, so I am fully conscious of the important stormwater management and other concerns throughout the District's jurisdiction. I believe that MWRD Commissioners have a responsibility to represent everyone residing in the District, as opposed to only those within a portion, but I do believe that any measure to encourage the engagement and participation of each community has value, so I would consider the viability of proposed changes.The role of board members is described as part time, yet the salary associated with it is more than most people make in their full-time job. Should that salary be cut?The Board of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District is collectively responsible for managing stormwater and maintaining water safety for more than 5 million residents across nearly 1,000 square miles of Cook County, a consequential responsibility that requires board members to contribute considerable time and energy toward research and education. I do, however, believe that anyone seeking to take on this responsibility should be concerned about public safety and responsible fiscal stewardship above compensation, and I would be open to consider adjustments to the compensation.If you are an incumbent, what has your attendance been for board meetings? IF you are a challenger, have you attended any meetings? How many? Do you know the attendance rate of the incumbent candidates?I have not attended meetings of the MWRD, but have consistently kept myself apprised of policies and activities taken by leadership and the effects upon stakeholders in communities where I represent residents and workers. If elected, I would aim to maintain a 100% attendance record.How do you rate the MWRD on transparency and the public's access to records? If you consider it adequate, please explain why. If you think improvements are needed, please describe them and why they are importantThe public can easily access a wealth of comprehensive budgeting, administrative, and programming documentation through the District's web site. I believe transparency also takes the form of public education, and that there is always room for improvement in providing information on the importance of the District's mission, challenges, and accomplishments. Reaching out to stakeholders and increasing awareness and involvement in the vital services for which they rely upon the District should always be a priority. More public participation can only improve the quality of services the District provides to the taxpayers who rightly expect maximum value for their tax dollars.Please list any elected office you have ever run for and what the result of that election was. Have you ever been appointed to fill an unexpired term?I was appointed to fill an unexpired term and subsequently was twice elected to serve as Trustee on the $5.5 billion Chicago Municipal Employees Annuity Benefit Fund, where I served until 2013.What other issues, if any, are important to you as a candidate for this office?Water is one of our most precious resources, and our proximity to the Great Lakes comes with a responsibility to keep this water clean and safe. It must be protected from irresponsible chemical and pharmaceutical disposal as well as invasive species like Asian Carp, which threaten the native ecosystem. The District must protect public health and safety by continuing to develop and strengthen its core functions- wastewater treatment and flood control.Additionally, we have to continue the District's legacy of undertaking the most innovative and effective civil engineering efforts globally, while also considering our environmental impact and energy consumption.Please name one current leader who most inspires you.While I respect anyone who earnestly serves the public, my friend and Senator John Mulroe exemplifies thoughtful leadership and fighting for those without a voice.What is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?Family is the most important thing we have. My parents were Irish immigrants who worked hard and made sacrifices to provide for our family.If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?I have a wonderful wife and four beautiful children and spend my time being thankful for what I have rather than wanting anything more.What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?My strongest subject was always math, which taught me to take a thoughtful and analytic approach to solving problems of all sorts.If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?If they are honest with themselves, work hard, and live a life of morals and service to others, they will find success and fulfillment.