John K. Murphy
Name: John K Murphy
Email: [email protected]
Campaign Phone: 651-503-3443
Campaign Website: johnkmurphy.org
Twitter handle:
Facebook Page: JohnKMurphy or @votemurphy
Candidate Bio
I’ve been a member of the Inver Grove Heights community for over 50 years and I’m running for a second term on IGH City Council. I value taking an active role in my community and enjoy making a difference. As an Edward Jones Financial Advisor for 25 years I’ve held a variety of leadership positions and have been acknowledged by my peers for fostering a culture of giving back. I am a 1982 graduate of Simley High School and hold a BA from the University of Minnesota. I have been a member of the Northern Dakota County Chamber (now Dakota County Regional Chamber) and the West St. Paul-Mendota Heights Rotary Club for 10 years and 18 years respectively. I had the privilege of serving as President for both organizations. I currently serve on the Dakota 911 Board and I’m a member of the River Heights Chamber of Commerce. I’m also a past member of the YMCA Advisory Board and spent 10 years coaching Parks and Rec baseball and softball in IGH.
What style of leadership would you bring to this position?
I believe in proactive leadership that makes a long-term difference for my community. Leadership that removes obstacles to success.
What would be your top three priorities if elected? How might these priorities be affected by the state's projected economic outlook?
Residential and business development that benefits Inver Grove Heights’ residents long-term and enhances our fiscal stability. Increased participation and transparency of local government. An increase in accessible parks and green space for city residents. Ultimately, I don’t believe Minnesota’s economic outlook will have an impact on these priorities, however, should Minnesota try and limit local zoning control as it did in the last session, that could have a considerable impact on residents.
What do you consider the biggest challenge and conversely, the biggest opportunity in Inver Grove Heights?
In my opinion the biggest challenge we face is developing the land we have remaining in a cost-effective manner. Our biggest opportunity is attracting new business to town. Specifically, those retail businesses most desired by our residents.
Please characterize your perspective on the ideal collaboration between government and the business community when it comes to tackling challenges whether they be education, housing, or workforce development. Do you feel the outcomes of the 2023-2024 legislative session positively or negatively impacted that collaboration and our state's business climate?
I believe the ideal collaboration is one that is mutually beneficial. No, I do not believe the 2023-24 legislative session was fair to all concerned or beneficial to all concerned.
How would you characterize the business climate in Inver Grove Heights and what role do you think the city should have in attracting and retaining jobs and new businesses in Inver Grove Heights?
I would characterize our business climate as a much-improved work in progress, and our town, as bit of a best kept secret for those looking to open a business. In terms of attracting new business the best thing a city can do is have a well thought out Comprehensive Plan and take a proactive approach to attracting new business.
What are your strategies to address public safety challenges in your community?
I would hope to continue with well led, appropriately funded, Police and Fire Departments.
What ideas do you have to address housing shortages and affordability?
I believe the key is accurate information. Information concerning housing stock for both our city and our county seems difficult to find. Far too often a developer will tell a city what is needed instead of a city relying on actual data or data provided by a neutral third party. I believe a city should put a comprehensive plan in place that guides development and one which current and future residents can rely on as they make choices for their family.
How would you work to improve transportation options in your community, including improved safety for transit riders, pedestrian/bike, and drivers alike?
As essentially a first ring suburb of the Twin Cities, one with Metro Transit service, nearby access to Light Rail and ample access to the interstate and intrastate highway system, I’m unaware of an extraordinary need to improve the system in our community. In terms of public safety on the mass transit systems, I will continue to rely on a well-supported police department who has the expertise to handle the situation.
Cities have addressed many ongoing needs with temporary, federal COVID relief dollars, what are your plans to ensure fiscal stability as these federal, one-time funds run out?
Adhere to long term, resident focused fiscal plans that, when possible, benefit from economies of scale. Especially in terms of pavement management.
Uber/Lyft wages and proposed childcare subsidies funded by local property taxes are just a few areas where local units of government are wading into policy debates that may be best suited at the state. Please articulate the different scopes of work between state and local government (City/County). Are there specific areas of policy that the city should lead on in lieu of the state or county government?
I believe one issue rises to the top, local zoning control. City councils, residents and city staff are best equipped to handle local zoning. No other entity, or entities, know a city better. One need look no further than last sessions HF 4009 to see how devastating that could have been for a community like Inver Grove Heights.
Email: [email protected]
Campaign Phone: 651-503-3443
Campaign Website: johnkmurphy.org
Twitter handle:
Facebook Page: JohnKMurphy or @votemurphy
Candidate Bio
I’ve been a member of the Inver Grove Heights community for over 50 years and I’m running for a second term on IGH City Council. I value taking an active role in my community and enjoy making a difference. As an Edward Jones Financial Advisor for 25 years I’ve held a variety of leadership positions and have been acknowledged by my peers for fostering a culture of giving back. I am a 1982 graduate of Simley High School and hold a BA from the University of Minnesota. I have been a member of the Northern Dakota County Chamber (now Dakota County Regional Chamber) and the West St. Paul-Mendota Heights Rotary Club for 10 years and 18 years respectively. I had the privilege of serving as President for both organizations. I currently serve on the Dakota 911 Board and I’m a member of the River Heights Chamber of Commerce. I’m also a past member of the YMCA Advisory Board and spent 10 years coaching Parks and Rec baseball and softball in IGH.
What style of leadership would you bring to this position?
I believe in proactive leadership that makes a long-term difference for my community. Leadership that removes obstacles to success.
What would be your top three priorities if elected? How might these priorities be affected by the state's projected economic outlook?
Residential and business development that benefits Inver Grove Heights’ residents long-term and enhances our fiscal stability. Increased participation and transparency of local government. An increase in accessible parks and green space for city residents. Ultimately, I don’t believe Minnesota’s economic outlook will have an impact on these priorities, however, should Minnesota try and limit local zoning control as it did in the last session, that could have a considerable impact on residents.
What do you consider the biggest challenge and conversely, the biggest opportunity in Inver Grove Heights?
In my opinion the biggest challenge we face is developing the land we have remaining in a cost-effective manner. Our biggest opportunity is attracting new business to town. Specifically, those retail businesses most desired by our residents.
Please characterize your perspective on the ideal collaboration between government and the business community when it comes to tackling challenges whether they be education, housing, or workforce development. Do you feel the outcomes of the 2023-2024 legislative session positively or negatively impacted that collaboration and our state's business climate?
I believe the ideal collaboration is one that is mutually beneficial. No, I do not believe the 2023-24 legislative session was fair to all concerned or beneficial to all concerned.
How would you characterize the business climate in Inver Grove Heights and what role do you think the city should have in attracting and retaining jobs and new businesses in Inver Grove Heights?
I would characterize our business climate as a much-improved work in progress, and our town, as bit of a best kept secret for those looking to open a business. In terms of attracting new business the best thing a city can do is have a well thought out Comprehensive Plan and take a proactive approach to attracting new business.
What are your strategies to address public safety challenges in your community?
I would hope to continue with well led, appropriately funded, Police and Fire Departments.
What ideas do you have to address housing shortages and affordability?
I believe the key is accurate information. Information concerning housing stock for both our city and our county seems difficult to find. Far too often a developer will tell a city what is needed instead of a city relying on actual data or data provided by a neutral third party. I believe a city should put a comprehensive plan in place that guides development and one which current and future residents can rely on as they make choices for their family.
How would you work to improve transportation options in your community, including improved safety for transit riders, pedestrian/bike, and drivers alike?
As essentially a first ring suburb of the Twin Cities, one with Metro Transit service, nearby access to Light Rail and ample access to the interstate and intrastate highway system, I’m unaware of an extraordinary need to improve the system in our community. In terms of public safety on the mass transit systems, I will continue to rely on a well-supported police department who has the expertise to handle the situation.
Cities have addressed many ongoing needs with temporary, federal COVID relief dollars, what are your plans to ensure fiscal stability as these federal, one-time funds run out?
Adhere to long term, resident focused fiscal plans that, when possible, benefit from economies of scale. Especially in terms of pavement management.
Uber/Lyft wages and proposed childcare subsidies funded by local property taxes are just a few areas where local units of government are wading into policy debates that may be best suited at the state. Please articulate the different scopes of work between state and local government (City/County). Are there specific areas of policy that the city should lead on in lieu of the state or county government?
I believe one issue rises to the top, local zoning control. City councils, residents and city staff are best equipped to handle local zoning. No other entity, or entities, know a city better. One need look no further than last sessions HF 4009 to see how devastating that could have been for a community like Inver Grove Heights.