Michael Murphy

Candidate Q&A

Why are you running?

I am running because Cook County residents are paying more in taxes while getting less in return. I want to bring greater accountability, transparency, and fiscal responsibility to county government and make sure taxpayers receive better value for their money.

What skills or experience do you have that make you particularly suited to this position?

My professional background in information technology has taught me how to solve complex problems, manage resources, improve systems, and hold vendors accountable. My community involvement has also given me firsthand experience with the challenges residents face. I would bring a practical, results-focused approach to Cook County government.

What does this office do well, and what needs fixing?

Cook County provides important healthcare, public safety, and other essential services to millions of residents. The County has also maintained a balanced budget, including the $10.12 billion FY2026 budget.

What needs fixing is accountability and efficiency. Residents continue facing a complicated property tax system, delayed tax bills, rising costs, and government systems that do not always work together effectively. The Board President should demand better results from county agencies, contractors, and technology projects while ensuring taxpayers receive better value for their money.

What is the most pressing issue facing your constituents and how do you plan on addressing it?

The most pressing issue is the growing property tax burden on Cook County residents. People should not be priced out of their homes because of unpredictable assessments and ever-rising tax bills. I support moving toward a system based on actual purchase price, with annual increases capped at 2% or inflation, whichever is lower. I also want stronger accountability for the county’s property tax technology and better coordination between the offices responsible for assessments, billing, and distributions.

Is there a major policy initiative or financial issue you will look to tackle in the next year?

My top priority would be property tax reform and tighter control of county spending. I want to begin moving toward a system based on actual purchase price, with predictable limits on annual increases. I would also review major contracts, technology spending, and department budgets to identify waste and improve accountability before asking taxpayers for more money.

If you are elected, what would the end of a successful four-year term look like for you?   

A successful four-year term would mean Cook County residents have a much clearer understanding of where their property tax dollars are going and who is responsible for increases. Many property tax increases begin with local taxing bodies increasing their levies, often without enough public awareness. I would use the Board President’s office to bring greater transparency to those decisions and alert residents when taxing bodies propose significant increases.

By the third and fourth years of my term, my goal would be to have property tax growth brought closer to a predictable 2% annual level, while continuing to push for broader reforms that make the system simpler, more transparent, and more accountable to taxpayers.

What specific steps would you take to ensure your office is accessible and responsive?

I would make sure residents have more than one way to be heard. Public comment should remain open and accessible, but responsiveness cannot stop at the microphone. My office would track constituent concerns, follow up directly, and work with the appropriate department or agency to help resolve legitimate issues. The goal would be to meet residents where they are and make sure concerns do not disappear after a board meeting ends.