Election 2018: Runyan Seeks Third Term As Selectman

BURLINGTON, MA -- Burlington voters head to the polls on April 7 for municipal elections. Patch reached out to candidates running in contested races for their thoughts on the issues facing Burlington. This is the second in an occasional series profiling the candidates running for selectman.

For Michael Runyan, the third time was a charm: in 2012, in his third run for Burlington Selectman, the fire fighter was elected to the board. Now Runyan, 60, is winding down his second term in office and seeking a third. Runyan and Joseph E. Morandi are the two incumbents running with challengers Virginia E. Mooney of Mohawk Road and Nicholas C. Priest of Prouty Road. in a four-way race for two open seats on the board of selectmen.

We asked Runyan and all candidates in contested races in the April 7 own elections a series of questions on the issues facing Burlington. Here's what Runyan had to say:

Fill in the blank: The single most pressing issue facing Burlington is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

Our biggest challenge currently is determining the best solution to increase our water capacity. One option is to make major improvements of our treatment facility which may or may not be sufficient in coming years. Another option is to make a connection to MWRA. Either way it is going to require a considerable investment and prudent financial planning.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates in this race?

To govern at the level of Selectman, experience is critical if you want to be effective. I have gained considerable experience in many aspects of town government having served twelve years as Town Meeting Member, three years as Housing Authority Commissioner, six years as Selectman and numerous committee's during thirty years of service to the community.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform:

We are fortunate here in Burlington to have a robust commercial sector that allows us a quality of life that many communities find envious. There are no fees for trash or school bus transportation, we have well maintained roadways, the finest public safety and parks and recreation programs that are unmatched anywhere. My goal is to continue to provide a level of service that we are accustomed to in a well planned financial approach. "There is a lot to like about Burlington".

If you gain this position, what accomplishment would define your term in office as a success?

We have some challenges ahead as noted with our water but there are other areas we need to have an eye on as well. I believe you will see a desire for an additional new school as well as a police station. We will be appointing a new Town Administrator later this year and careful consideration will be needed to be certain we find a candidate with strong financial and leadership qualifications. Maintaining a level of service that we enjoy today at a reasonable cost would be paramount during my term.

Please share with voters a story about wisdom gained from a mistake you made in your life or career.

I'm not sure there is enough room on this questionnaire to point out mistakes I have made but I can tell you that every Monday night that I sit at my chair during a Selectmen's meeting is a learning experience.

Why should voters trust you?

There is nothing more important to me than the good of this community. I grew up here, my career as a Firefighter was an opportunity for stability of my young family and I am forever grateful. I am active in many ways in town and I interact with hundreds of people each year.

Share a quote that defines your philosophy:

"The art of leadership is the ability to say no; it is very easy to say yes" (British Prime Minister Tony Blair)

Explain your attitudes toward fiscal policy, government spending and how taxpayer dollars should be handled by your office (or board)?

As Selectmen we come from various backgrounds with various skills and experience. We rely heavily on our financial team and department heads and we spend countless hours with them to bring a well thought out financial plan to Town Meeting each May. What you may not see is the pile of requests left on the cutting room floor each year after being carefully scrutinized. We do our best to bring a level of service we are all proud of at an affordable and manageable cost.

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

We have been experiencing some growing pains and have been addressing many areas where improvement is needed. There are two new schools that came online recently, we have rolled out a paramedic program at the fire department that promises to provide superior service to our community. The senior center is currently undergoing renovations and expansion for additional activities and programs and Children and Family Services has located to the newly acquired 33 Center St. A new DPW facility is in the design stage and a new fire station is underway. We have applied for and received grant monies for roadway improvements in certain areas of town and Burlington was chosen for a pilot program that synchronizes all the traffic lights automatically. We have been very busy here in Burlington and these are just a few examples of what we have accomplished during my two terms.

The best advice ever shared with me was ...

Listen to your wife.

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

I am a member of the American Legion and support numerous programs that we run there, I have addressed those assembled at Chestnut Hill on Memorial Day and at the Town Common on Veteran's Day. You will find me manning the "Wish Tree" each December and the "Pumpkin Patch" each fall. I pull Fire Trucks for the "Relay for Life" folks and read Dr. Seuss books to second graders every March. I bring you the Burlington 4th of July parade and fireworks with the help of my friends and I've even been asked to Dance With the Stars. I am very happy to give back to this town and I am very proud of my family and friends who support me.

Learn more about the April 7 election including details on other races and voter registration information.

Are you running for office in Burlington on April 7? Contact Dave Copeland at dave.copeland@patch.com for information on being featured in a candidate's profile and submitting campaign announcements to Burlington Patch.

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Photo by Michael Runyan.

Dave Copeland can be reached at dave.copeland@patch.com or by calling 617-433-7851. Follow him on Twitter (@CopeWrites) and Facebook (/copewrites).