THE JOURNAL & TOPICS NEWSPAPERS | WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 2008
Ald. Murphy: No Harm In Recent Campaign Donations
By TODD WESSELL
Journal & Topics Editor
Questions have surfaced about the propriety of Ald. Laura Murphy (3d) accepting campaign donations from companies that do business with the city. Murphy, however, says she has no knowledge that anyone has raised the issue and that her conduct as an alderman has not been at all compromised because of campaign contributions.
Questions recently surfaced about campaign donations received by the Maine Township Regular Democratic Organization, which Murphy heads as committeeman.
Specifically, the Journal & Topics Newspapers has been told that at least one city official has asked City Attorney Dave Wiltse about a $500 donation the political organization received from Stonegate of Des Plaines, and a $500 donation from R. Franczak & Associates.
Both companies have built hundreds of condominiums in Des Plaines which in nearly every case has required City Council approval.
As alderman, Murphy is chairman of the city's Community Development Committee which plays an important role in residential development in the city, including condominiums and townhouses.
The two contributions made to the Maine Democratic Party were among numerous listed in the organization's most recent disclosure filing with the Illinois State Board of Elections for the period July 1, 2007 to Dec. 31, 2007. The report shows that the organization had a total of $10,069.20 available as of Dec. 31.
Over the years, Franczak developers has made numerous campaign contributions to various local candidates. Stonegate, based in Niles, is believed to be part of Newport Builders which has developed many condo projects in the area including a 264-unit project in Des Plaines near the Northwest Highway S-curve. Stonegate is also believed to be involved in a proposal to build condos and townhomes at Golf and East River roads where United Stationers operated for many years until about a year ago.
The Stonegate address listed on the Maine Democratic Party disclosure report is 6767 N. Milwaukee Ave., which is the same address as Newport Builders and the Maine Township Regular Democratic Organization. It's believed that an office building is located at that address where several tenants are housed.
City Attorney Wiltse responded with a "no comment" when asked by the Journal & Topics Newspapers late last week whether inquiries have been made about the matter and whether any violation of the city's Ethics Ordinance has occurred.
Ald. Murphy said she will immediately call Wiltse to discuss the issue with him.
"There's no conflict at all," said Murphy. "I have never profited nor has any member of my family. Some members of the City Council can't make that same statement. I guess because the Democrats are in a competitive position some people are having an issue with that. This is clearly politically motivated." Murphy added that she has deliberately worked to keep a strict line between her role as committeeman and as alderman.