This month’s “Major Leaguers” are Michael and Barbara Murray, long-time Roselle residents who are quite active in their community. Diana Hoke chatted with them recently over dinner at their lovely craftsman-style home.
1) How did you hear about the League of Women Voters of Roselle-Bloomingdale?
Through Dan Hildebrant, another long-time Roselle resident, teacher, and community activist, now deceased. Through him, we attended one of League’s first meetings - on water management.
2) Was there a particular issue or situation that prompted you to join League?
The idea of general good government, and the need for a more informed citizenry. We lacked a non-partisan, fact-based voice in our community. Later, Darlene Bakk, an old friend of Mike’s (from Oak Park River Forest High!), was the Illinois League Issue Specialist for Mental Health. She introduced Mike to Jerry, head of the INC Board*, (and/or one of the 708 boards in Kane Co.), who spoke at another of LWVRB’s first meetings. Barbara came along since it made sense, and we both joined.
*Community Mental Health Funding Alliance, the local mental health authority better known as 'INC' in the south Kane County area. A unique partnership of seven township community mental health 708 boards. https://www.incboard.org/
3) What other local volunteer activities have you been or are you involved in?
Barbara was a Trinity Adult Day Care Board Member, a program which, sadly, was recently dismantled. She is also closely involved with the Roselle Centennial House & Garden Walk, to help the Village celebrate its first 100 years. The walk consists of the annual garden walk plus a special house walk. The last house walk was 25 years ago!
Mike is on the Employment Committee for the Ray Graham Association, helping mentally disabled youths find jobs. He has taught citizenship to refugees at Exodus World Service, and was a “new neighbor” to recent immigrants through Exodus, as well. Mike has also taught ESL at Trinity and was on the D12 School Board. He is involved in local politics and is currently running for office. (League members other than the President and Voter Service Chair are encouraged to be involved outside of League with the party of their choice, and may run for public office with caveats, as described in the League’s Non-Partisan Political Policy.)
4) How do these interact with what you do at LWV, and vice versa?
League gives a respected forum and non-profit affiliation to present the idea of 708 Boards to the community. Special kudos to Ben Silver and Miriam Judar, both formerly of the Citizens’ Advocacy Center, for making it possible.
5) Have you read the League positions on your areas of interest?
Yes, we’ve read them! Mike has attended several of the state League’s Annual Issues Briefings. He respects the process of League studies; that high degree of scrutiny makes it possible to formulate an informed opinion.
6) What are your individual goals as a League member?
To eventually pass the mental health torch to a dedicated committee. We hope the League will continue to support the 708 Board through: attendance and observation at the monthly meetings; maintaining the related community mental health Facebook page; and continuing to inform the community on the activities of the Board through events and regular communications. We also hope the LWVRB will continue supporting the Community Township Facebook page.
Barbara is happy to be a League promoter and general supporter. She has made countless phone calls for various events and donated labor to sew “Vote” masks for our members. And hopes to continue taking on such projects as they come up.
7) Have your views on League changed over time? If so, how? Why?
Barbara didn’t realize the size and nature of the LWV, and the reach we have. She recognizes that her voice has the weight of the League behind it.
Mike has come to appreciate how carefully the League comes to decisions. He also understands that members do not have to agree 100% with every League position. As one example, Mike disagrees with the LWV position of reducing units of government in Illinois, because our per-capita cost of government ranks around number 15 in the US. Mike believes our model in Illinois allows opportunities for more citizen involvement.
8) What legacy are you helping the League of Women Voters leave to our community?
A legacy of an informed electorate. Mike always tries to get new residents involved. Barb, the long-time Lake Park Registrar, is especially excited about the League’s registering 18-year-olds at the high schools.
