Thomas Murphy is a judge in the Cook County Circuit Court.[1] Prior to winning election to that post in 2006, he served as an alderman of the 18th ward in Chicago; he was first elected in 1991.
Murphy was born and raised in Chicago, he went to Northern Illinois University and John Marshall Law School. He was a high school teacher and has practiced law since 1979.[2] He has a daughter, Nora.
Murphy was first elected as alderman in 1991 after a runoff election. As alderman, Murphy led opposition to real estate property tax increases and voted against a salary increase for aldermen. He introduced an ordinance to cross-train firefighters and paramedics in order to improve public safety.
Murphy founded the Summer Immunization Program, Youth Basketball League Sponsorship and Coaching. He has served as Vice-chairman of the Building and Budget committee; he also served on five other committees: Finance; Police and Fire; License and Consumer Protection; Rules and Ethics; and Aviation.
Elected to the Cook County Circuit Court in November 2006,[3] Lona Lane was appointed to fill his remaining term in the Chicago City Council by Mayor Richard M. Daley.