Letter to the Editor: Michael Runyan - Why I'm Running

I am pleased to announce my candidacy for the office of Selectman and would like to take this opportunity to remind you that I began this campaign nearly two years ago, not at the request of any individual or special interest but rather out of my concern for the community and the folks most effected by the recession. We all know that we are facing difficult and challenging times and I believe that local government needs to demonstrate that they are sensitive to the needs of the community and respond accordingly. I have not seen any evidence of that recently. Families across town and indeed across the nation have been trying to save more, spend less and pay down debt. Businesses have retooled, reduced inventory and now operate more efficiently and I believe Burlington can do the same with the right leadership.

My family settled here in 1963, purchased a cape style home with an unfinished second floor and my dad added bedrooms as the family grew to seven children. Both of my parents were active in the community, my dad with the Jaycees and my mom with The League of Women’s Voters, CCD, Scouts and more.  As a young teen, my mom encouraged me to volunteer for Special Olympics and it has been my charity of choice ever since. My wife Lisa (Roberto) and I raised our three children here and we participated in many school and recreational activities with them. We are very proud of our children as they now have careers and families of their own.

As a candidate for Selectman I bring a diverse background in volunteer work, public service and as an elected and appointed official with many accomplishments during the past thirty years. As a Town Meeting Member I have voted favorably on land acquisitions at the reservoir, Sawmill Rd. and Marion Rd. I have supported many infrastructure improvements at our schools and water treatment facilities. As a member of the Housing Partnership Committee I have helped create more than 130 units of affordable housing which brought us to the 10% threshold necessary to rebuff any unwanted 40B applications. I serve on the BCAT Board of Directors and help bring school sporting events and special programming to homes in town as well as coverage of government meetings to keep you informed. I am very active with veterans affairs, assisting with “packages for our troops”, annual trips to the Soldiers and Sailors home in Boston and host the Bedford VA patients annual holiday dinner.   As a member of The Burlington Fire Department which I have proudly served for twenty two years, I have treated injuries and illnesses of hundreds of residents, pumped water from dozens of homes and help put out many fires.

I grew up here, I live here , I work here and have been involved in Burlington for more than thirty years because that is what I enjoy doing and would like to serve you as a member of The Board of Selectman. I ask for your consideration and support on election day Saturday April, 9th.

Michael Runyan