New London Candidate Profile: James Burke for City Council

NEW LONDON, CT —NewLondon’s election season is heating up.

New London Patch asked candidates to answer questions about their campaigns and will be publishing candidate profiles as election day draws near.

James Burke, 28, is a Democrat running for election to the City Counci.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? This includes any relatives who work in the government you'd be representing.

No.

Education:

Graduated Fitch High School 2009

Occupation:

Front End Manager, Fiddleheads Food Co-op. Sound Engineer, Garde Arts Center, 33 Golden St.

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office:

Corresponding Secretary, New London Democratic Town Committee. Member, Pedestrian Advisory Committee.

The single most pressing issue facing our town/district is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

The single most pressing issue in New London is limited revenues with nearly half of the property in our small city being tax exempt. I plan to work closely with our legislative delegation in Hartford to see that state aid to New London increases as well as using economic development to grow our grand list over time

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

At 28 years old I would be the youngest candidate serving on City Council. I am also a parent of three children attending public school here in New London. My perspective will be essential to find a balance between attracting more young professionals across our region to make New London their new home, while also working to improve the quality of life for families here now.

List other issues that define your campaign platform:

As your City Councilor I will fight to:

Fund Services that matter most without overburdening taxpayers
Develop incentives for home ownership
Ensure all landlords provide quality living conditions and maintain properties for renters
Give our children the path to success they deserve by increasing investment in our schools
Protect historic buildings, small businesses, and working families while attracting respectful new development

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

I have led a small business in our community growing to $4M in annual sales while creating jobs in our city. In February I served as campaign manager for State Representative Anthony Nolan. Our campaign earned over 50% of the vote in a four way race while engaging families from every corner of the 39th district. This spring I led a grassroots effort to modernize Connecticut's cooperative association statues which was signed into law in June.

These professional accomplishments are just a few examples of my ability to lead, listen, and accomplish the goals I work towards.

The best advice ever shared with me was …

Drink lots of water.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

While born in Groton - my first guitar was purchased at Caruso's Music and I played my first gig at an art gallery on State Street. New London's vibrant arts and music scene in an asset to our community. If elected I will work to foster the arts and ensure studio spaces for artists and musicians are available and affordable.

Are you running for office in New London? Contact Ellyn Santiago at ellyn.santiago@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate's profile and submitting campaign announcements to New London Patch. The deadline for submissions is Oct. 28.