Patch Candidate Profile: Michael Burke For Darien Board Of Selectmen

DARIEN, CT — Election Day on Nov. 4 is fast approaching, and there are a number of key races on the ballot.

Patch reached out to candidates for office to get more information on their campaigns and the issues that are facing the town.

Candidate's Name:
Michael J. Burke

What office are you seeking?
Board of Selectmen

What town do you live in?
Darien

Campaign Website
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Party Affiliation:
Democrat

Occupation:
Attorney for 30 plus years

Family:
I have been married for 25 years. My wife has her BSN and Masters in Public Health and is Director of Perioperative Services at Memorial Sloan Kettering. I have twin sons who are recent college graduates of Providence College and Georgetown University. They are both currently pursuing Masters Degrees at Georgetown University and The University of Notre Dame respectively.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?
No.

Previous public office, appointive or elective:
Yes. Previously in Darien, I served on The Representative Town Meeting from approximately 2010-2014. Subsequently, I was elected to the Board of Education from 2014-through 2020. Since 2021, I have been a Member of the Board of Selectmen.

Why are you seeking this office?
I seek to continue in this office as I believe in public service and because I feel that we face challenges over the next two years.

The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it:
Our most pressing issues over the next two years is management of our capital projects and creating more citizen access to Great Island. Currently, our debt levels are sub-optimal. Critical thinking and management will be necessary to set our capital project goals while being mindful of our debt.

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
Not applicable in the sense that the Selectmen race is uncontested.

What other issues do you intend to address during your campaign?

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
As a Selectmen I am proud of the work that we did on the Great Island Advisory Committee and Blight Review Board. Also, I have a demonstrated history of working cooperatively with other electeds and volunteers to make merit based decisions as opposed to political ideology.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?
Be an active listener and instead of complaining about a problem, try and be part of the solution.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
Darien is wonderful place to live. I have been beyond fortunate to have the opportunity to serve here.