Candidate Profile: Donna Shaw Murphy For Alpharetta City Council

ALPHARETTA, GA — Eight city council candidates are running for three seats in Alpharetta's Nov. 2 municipal election.

Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as Election Day draws near.

Donna Shaw Murphy is running for Alpharetta City Council, Post 1.

Age (as of Election Day)

61

Position Sought

Alpharetta City Council, Post 1

Party Affiliation

Nonpartisan race

Family

Pat Murphy, husband; Brian Murphy, age 34; Matt Shaw Murphy, age 30; Katie Murphy, age 26; Courtney Murphy, daughter-in-law, age 30; Taylor Spung, fiancee to Matt, age 29

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

University of Georgia, BBA in Management Information Systems, Terry School of Business
Graduate of Milton High School

Occupation

Residential Realtor/small business owner, 2010-2021

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

None

Campaign website

www.votedonnamurphy.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

I have lived in Alpharetta for over half my life, my three children were born here and growing up here made me the person I am today. I am now able to give back to the community by offering myself for public service. I have seen the issues affecting the city and I am ready to go to work for Alpharetta families and provide a fresh perspective on council.

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Financial management is the most important issue facing the city today. Over the last decade, Alpharetta has over doubled its debt with the handling of its infrastructure and operational needs. I will focus on sound financial management to make sure we deliver city services second to none that are attainable and affordable to families.

What are your short- and long-term goals if you are elected?

I will immediately address the shortage in our public safety department by advocating to add at least four new patrol positions. With public safety at the forefront, I will work to improve access to all city services and refocus your tax dollars to improve transportation and recreational opportunities citywide.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

I will always put Alpharetta first. I will always tell the truth, I will not claim the work of others. I believe that “we are better when we work together” and am a collaborative leader. I will respect and allow our professional staff to do their job without political interference.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

During my opponent's tenure in government, Alpharetta’s debt has over doubled and your property tax rate has not decreased costing you more in taxes. Public safety staffing has been neglected, no new officers in over a decade, potentially exposing neighborhoods. Simply put my opponent has let us down claiming the work of previous councils and engaging in the politics of personal destruction. I believe Alpharetta deserves better representation and I will always put people first.

How do you think local officials performed in responding to the coronavirus? What if anything would you have done differently?

In an extremely difficult time our city rallied and our first responders and city team did a wonderful job. Of course there are always decisions that could be different in hindsight; however, overall I believe we were served well by our local and state offices.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

Financial Management - deploy tax dollars to prioritize community benefit, stopping last minute politically motivated reallocations
Public Safety - add new patrol officers, prioritize public safety
Taxes - reduce the tax burden of families by lowering the rate
Transportation - prioritize funding to align with family and neighborhood transportation needs first
Park & Recreation - balance capital projects to match the population and implement citizen driven programing
Staff Management - respect staff and stop politically driven overreach and interference

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

I was a member of the Atlanta Regional Leadership Institute Class of 2021 in recognition of my years of community service in the region. Additionally, I have been recognized by my peers, holding numerous positions in leadership as we worked to represent families in communities all across the north metro. I listened, built consensus, and produced results in the private sector and I can do that for you as a Council member in Alpharetta.

What do you like best about living in your city (or county)?

I get to live in my hometown, the town I grew up in -- I wake up and I feel right at home, it brings back so many memories and I'm thankful to have that opportunity and want to share it with others.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

"Just be you"... we are all uniquely made with our own experiences and stories to share. I feel this equips us to step up when needed to do good with what we've learned. I believe people appreciate it when you are real and honest about who you are. We have the ability to make a difference in the lives of those around us and in our community!

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

Fun facts... the history of my family and our connection to the city of Alpharetta dates back to the early 1900s when my grandparents were married in front of the old Webb Hotel in downtown Alpharetta and honeymooned there. My family and I moved to Alpharetta the summer of 1966 before I started first grade at Alpharetta Elementary. I graduated from Milton High School with honors as co-president of our student body and received a leadership/scholastic scholarship from the American Legion Post 201. My dad retired from the city of Alpharetta where he worked in the building inspections department. I have lived here over half my life, my three grown children were all born here, my first career job was at DCA in Windward/Alpharetta and I was married and we bought our first home in Alpharetta. I am a 5th generation Atlantan, chief convener of my Scottish clan and started the Milton High School Alumni Association as part of the 100th anniversary celebration.

Related: Candidate Profile: Donald‌ ‌Mitchell‌ For Alpharetta City Council