Zenkin Officially Running for Murphy's Seat

Burlington Selectman Walter T. Zenkin formally declared his candidacy to represent the 21^stMiddlesex District in the state legislature, looking to fill the seat . The 21^st Middlesex District includes Zenkin’s hometown of Burlington as well as Bedford and Precinct 3 of Wilmington on the Republican ballot.

“It’s time for the legislature to focus on our needs,” stated Zenkin in a press release. “For too long the needs of hard working people in Burlington, Bedford and Wilmington have been ignored. We must firmly reject the culture of corruption that exists on Beacon Hill and repudiate practices that favor the politically connected few.  It’s time to bring common sense and integrity back to state government.”

The Republican candidate is not alone in the race, as he will square off against David Fionda, who . Zenkin told Patch in May that he planned to run, though he recently made those plans official.

In his press release, Zenkin said that he is concerned about the future of Massachusetts and the state’s affordability for our younger generation.

“I will work to limit growth of state government and control spending," he said. "We can’t continue raising taxes and imposing higher fees to finance state government. By examining how the state government is spending money, I promise to be responsible with our tax dollars. Poorly managed programs ought to be eliminated and private sector alternatives should be implemented when practical.”     

As a small business owner, Zenkin said that shows him firsthand that "burdensome regulation can harm our fragile economy."  While appreciating the need to protect consumers, he said he also rejects the notion that government knows best.

“I would like to see a positive and predictable business climate that is free of overregulation and intrusive government practices," said Zenkin. "With high-unemployment we can’t continue to stifle business formation, entrepreneurship and job creation with heavy regulation and a high cost of doing business.  Tax revenue grows and job growth happens when we foster an environment where business can thrive.”

Having served on the Board of Selectmen since 2007, Zenkin was reelected and served as chairman of the board in 2010. He cites his record as selectman and the board’s stewardship of Burlington’s revenue model as examples of how leaders can maintain a favorable business climate while fostering a stable local government with high quality services, according to the press release.

Zenkin has lived in Burlington his entire life, and he and his wife of 19 years have four children in the public school system. A member of the Burlington High School Class of 1984, Zenkin also has an associate's degree in architectural engineering and a bachelor's degree in architecture from Wentworth Institute of Technology.

For more information, visit his election website.