2017 Election Questionnaire: Alice Murray, Bolingbrook Park District

Name: Alice R. Murray

Age: 55

Town of residence: Bolingbrook

Position sought: Bolingbrook Park District Board of Commissioners

Family:

Husband Michael married 32 years
Three sons. Matt 28, David 26, John 26

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?: I currently am the Horticulturist for the Bolingbrook Park District. If elected I would need to resign.

Education:

BSc Colorado School of Mines Geological Engineering
Portland State University Teaching Certification High School Math
College of DuPage AS Horticulture
Michigan State Turf School
Certified Arborist

Occupation: Horticulturist Bolingbrook Park District, Five years

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Position:

Member at Large Heritage Creek Community Association
Secretary PTA Findley Oaks Elementary
Member at Large Hillbrooke Homeowners Association

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

Are bike/walking trails and I intend to facilitate conversations with other entities to promote connectivity of trails throughout Bolingbrook.

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

I currently work for the Park District so I will bring a unique perspective to the Board. I will know what questions to ask. I have intimate knowledge of every single park. Also, I use the Park District amenities extensively, including the climbing wall. I am not easily intimidated, so I can stand up to special interest requests, like a $110,000 cricket field.

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

I don't think anyone has failed, I just think that I would be a strong addition to the Board.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform:

Insisting on fair and responsible employment practices. The employee turnover amount is costing the District money. I want to make sure that our Director is responsive to employee needs, and that means all employees, not just management.

Improve recycling efforts in Parks

Maintain natural areas, which includes eradicating invasives, reintroduction of natives and trail creation and upkeep.

Promote financial sustainability

Parks are for everyone. Highlight Park areas and programs that require no fee

If you gain this position, what accomplishment would define your term in office as a success?

Getting bike/hike access over Weber Rd. at Lily Cache Sports Fields and also connecting Indian Boundary trail to Naperville Trail at Washington/Weber. I'm pretty motivated to accomplish all my action items. Also I want to see the Board be more in touch with their constituency.

Please share with voters a story about wisdom gained from a mistake you made in your life or career.

When I joined the Park District full time, I verbally negotiated a few extra days of vacation during my hiring interview. When it came time to take those days, management knew nothing about it. If you want to be sure about something, get it in writing.

Why should voters trust you?

I think voters would be smart to trust no one. I think a better approach is to keep yourself informed so you know who can be trusted. The success of our government is dependent upon informed citizens.

Share a quote that defines your philosophy:

"Do or do not, there is no try." Yoda

You must really work at something in order to have a chance for success.

What questions should be asked of current government employees accountable to your board?

Can you do a better job being responsive to the taxpayer's needs? Are we compensating the right employees properly? Why have you not implemented a comprehensive recycling program since we last spoke two years ago? What are you doing for the soccer community? Has anyone spoken to you about sailing classes, because a number of people have come to me about this. Why haven't you settled the union contract with your Buildings and Grounds workers and instead you spent over $100,000 on a lawyer to fight these hard working men and women. There are many more questions.

Explain your attitudes toward fiscal policy, government spending and how taxpayer dollars should be handled by your office (or board)?

Using tax dollars and providing parks and recreation is an admirable concept. It gives everyone a chance to participate in something wonderful. Government has such a bad rap because elected officials sometimes use their position to line their own pockets. This is so bad and breaks the public trust. People need to see value in their tax dollars. If people use the park district they will value it and that increases the value of their tax dollars. Use your parks! Demand more from your parks! On the other hand be sure you compensate fairly. I believe that strength lies in balanced budgets! I also believe that there is great responsibility when you are entrusted with other people's money!

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

I know how to handle a budget. I am responsible for a budget at work. I was responsible for a budget in my own successful business. I am responsible for a budget in my own private life. All of these budgets are balanced! I believe that you cannot spend money that you don't have!

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

Make it a great day or not. The choice is yours.

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

I am enthusiastic. I like horseback riding, playing soccer and rock climbing and I went to the World Cup in Brazil. My family is important to me. The Park District is important to me. It would be an honor to be elected by the people of Bolingbrook to serve the people of Bolingbrook.

More via Murray's campaign Facebook page

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