2023 Darien Election Profile: Michael J. Burke For Board Of Selectmen

DARIEN, CT — Election Day on Nov. 7 is fast approaching, and there are a number of key races on the ballot in Darien.

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

Name

Michael J. Burke

How old will you be as of Election Day?

61

What city or town do you live in?

Darien

What office are you seeking?

Board of Selectmen

Please give us your party affiliation.

Democrat

Education.

JD,Fordham University School of Law, and BA Skidmore College

What is your occupation?

Attorney for 35 years

Do you have a family? If so, please tell us about them.

My wife Kathleen and I have been married for 23 years. Our twin sons Matthew and Nolan are Juniors at Providence College and Fordham University respectively. They are majoring in Finance and Accounting. My son Michael Jr., is about to turn 30 and is living and working in Minneapolis, MN.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No.

Have you ever held a public office, whether appointive or elective?

I have been previously elected to the Darien Board of Education and Representative Town Meeting

Now we'd like to ask a few questions about your reasons for running and your general views on politics and government. First, why are you seeking this office?

I wish to continue in this office because I believe Darien faces critical choices over the next few years related to flood mitigation/infrastructure, development of Great Island, and delivery of other town services. I believe I have the skills to work effectively with my board colleagues, fellow Darienites and town staff to ensure we make choices in these areas that represent our highest ideals.

Please complete this statement: The single most pressing issue facing my constituents is ____, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Flood mitigation. I am going to insist that we exhaust all of our capabilities in fully investigating mitigation opportunities and make choices that recognize that we have an obligation to provide proper infrastructure .

What are the major differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

Over the last two years, perhaps the most significant difference I have had with my Republican colleagues on the Board relates to our flag policy. Our current policy of raising only our American, Connecticut and Darien flags is overly restrictive. I believe we should have a policy (as numerous other communities in this state have) that allows us to consider supporting and celebrating worthy entities. I will seek reconsideration of our current policy in my next term.

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

I also believe that we as a country, state and town are still in a mental health crisis. I look forward to discussing this issue during the campaign and will continue to support programs as a Selectmen that help educate on mental health and identify means and methods of helping those in need.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

As a member of the Darien Board of Education for six years and a member of the Dairen Board of Selectmen for the last two years, I believe I have established a record of considering issues by relying on facts as opposed to political sentiment. I am truly proud of our purchase of Great Island.

What is the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Focus on the position and not the person or personality. Also, always try to remember that people who may have a different point of view than you, have reached that view in good faith.