Question and Answer with Board of Selectmen Candidate Michael Runyan

The April 9 Burlington town elections are fast approaching. Burlington Patch asked each candidate for the open seat on the Board of Selectmen six questions to help voters better understand their positions. Remember to vote on April 9, polls are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the , 123 Cambridge St.

We are running these pieces over the three weekdays. Today we are featuring our conversation with candidate Michael Runyan.

Why did you decide to run for the Board of Selectmen?

I began my campaign for Selectman two years ago, not at the request of any individual, special interest  or because there was an empty seat to fill, but rather out of my concern for the community and the folks most effected by the recession. An effective government needs to demonstrate that they are sensitive to the needs of the community and respond accordingly and I have seen no evidence of that recently. Families across town have tried to spend less, save more 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.

What is your professional background and how do you think it will help you on the board?

My training as a Firefighter/EMT has taught me to be a good listener and to be aware of my surroundings. I interact with hundreds of residents each year while treating injuries and illnesses and listen very carefully to what they tell me, often times certain social concerns are responsible for an ailment. A good example might be that the medications someone takes are expired because they can not afford to refill them. I may notice that bills are piled high on the kitchen table or a furnace has not been maintained properly due to financial problems. People are not shy about sharing their concerns if given an opportunity to express them. My ability to listen, coupled with my twenty years of experience in local government, provide me with a unique view of our community and will serve me well as Selectman.   

What is your educational background and how do you think it will help you on the board?

I graduated from BHS in 1976 with an eye toward business and enrolled part time at Middlesex Community College and Northeastern University Law Enforcement program. I am a graduate of Massachusetts Firefighting Academy and Northeasten University EMT program. As mentioned earlier, my education and training has served me well in better understanding the needs of the community. 

What do you think is the biggest (or two) issues facing the town of Burlington at present and what would you like to see the board do to address them?

The issue that requires immediate attention is retaining and attracting new businesses to Burlington. We have enjoyed a rather comfortable position in years past that has not gone unnoticed by our neighbors. The competition to lure new business has never been greater and we need to be equal to the task. The business community provides 60% of the grease that makes this town run and they deserve a voice in local government.

I would act to establish a community development office to encourage responsible development and redevelopment that is consistent with our Master Plan. An economic development professional who is also skilled at grant writing to seek funds to assist with infrastructure improvements and who would also be responsible for our affordable housing needs.

What would be your main goal for the first year if elected?

In addition to economic stability, I believe that traffic and stream cleaning need to be addressed. I would seek to establish a traffic task force utilizing our current resources of engineers and safety personnel. I would also include a means for the general public to participate. Certain areas of town are prone to flooding each spring and our use of road sand during the winter months only aggravates the problem and we have a responsibility to remove it.  

Name something voters may not know about you but should:

I think you should know that I am a very bad golfer and anyone on the course is in danger of being struck by an errant topflite! On the other hand, I am a pretty good fisherman and love bringing my children and grandchildren with me.