Cape Charles Town Council Candidate(s) Statement(s)

EDITOR’S NOTE: Last week the Wave asked both Cape Charles Town Council candidates in person to write something about themselves to assist the voters.

The suggested topic was “Why I’m Running for Town Council.”

Both candidates agreed to submit a statement.  The Wave regrets that despite two reminders, only one candidate has provided a submission.  

In giving each candidate an opportunity to speak for himself, the Wave’s intent was to provide unbiased coverage. But now we have had to choose between printing only one candidate’s statement, or printing nothing at all. Since we had already promised both candidates that we would print whatever they wrote, without edits, that is exactly what we have done below.

WHY I’M RUNNING FOR TOWN COUNCIL
By DAN BURKE

 November 5, 2012

In case the reader is interested and has not seen one of my brochures or attended any of the meetings I have had around Town, I have included a career background summary at the end of this article.

My wife and I are full-time residents. We purchased a house in the Historic District in July of 2011. Like most Cape Charles residents we were attracted by the water-oriented lifestyle and all it has to offer. We love living here and have encouraged our family and friends to consider investing in Cape Charles.

I have three principles that will guide my conduct if elected to the Town Council.

1. Fiscal Accountability

2. Transparent, open government

3. Common Sense

I place fiscal accountability number one. It is the single, most important aspect of local government. We are a small town of approximately 1,000 residents and as such we are the foundation upon which Cape Charles operates. As property owners in Northampton County we are subject to a relentless barrage of taxes for businesses, houses, automobiles, boats, trailers and other personal property. As property owners in Cape Charles we see more of the same. My main goal, if elected, is to address the upward spiral of ever increasing taxes, water fees and assessments in Cape Charles.

CONTINUED FROM FIRST PAGE

Transparency: I am extremely concerned by the propensity of the current council to spend our money without our input. I am aware they are elected to make decisions for us. However, when it comes to large capital outlays or divestitures of town property — No! I’m sorry, I want to be informed before these decisions are made. If there exists such a great deal that it has to be rushed through without informing the people who will ultimately have to pay for it, then, No! Don’t do it. Have respect for the people who pay the bills. It’s common sense.

I am not anti-growth. We all know increasing our growth is the answer to spreading out and reducing our overall cost of living. That’s economics 101. Just keep in mind that 20 years ago this town was almost bankrupt. There is tremendous uncertainty in the global economy. There is nothing wrong with having a small surplus.

Continued spending or giving away money that we don’t have, whether it’s for a great cause or not, will inevitably lead to tax increases. If we use money from one fund to buy something other than originally intended, we lose our credibility. Money was transferred from a bond issued for two additional well hook-ups to purchase real estate. The next time we wish to issue a bond for a specific use why should anyone believe us?

Tax increases and fees are a time bomb for small towns. I have talked to many senior citizens who have lived here for years and are worried that they can no longer afford Cape Charles. That is just not right. Additionally, we have some folks who simply don’t have much money and they struggle from month to month. The answer is well managed, balanced, responsible growth. When we make these decisions we need to keep in mind the fixed income seniors and those who may not be as fortunate as some of us. They are also part of the foundation of Cape Charles. They may have a little problem keeping up with some of our grand ideas. For sure we want growth but we don’t want to lose these good folks. It’s common sense.

I have attended many town meetings and I am convinced that my previous management experience would be an asset to the current team and could bring some new concepts to town management.

I thank all the people that I have met and especially those that have helped me get the word out in the short time I have lived here. I thank the Cape Charles Wave for the opportunity they have created for me to convey my views.

Kindest regards,

Dan Burke

Background summary:

I retired from Schlumberger Technologies at age 60. Schlumberger is a Six Sigma, World Class Corporation. It’s the world’s largest oil exploration company. At retirement I held the following three titles for our USA operations: Manager of Engineering, Director of Security, and Environmental Affairs Officer. In my career I have managed many complex projects on four continents among various cultures.