To the editor:
What truly matters in town leadership and management? Mike Burke is in a contest for Darien Selectman whose candidates all meet intellectual and relatable competence for the job. They are all kind people with a public service record. But I realize after a recent candidates’ discussion event, the ONE required quality that rises above all others, Mike Burke has.
Two-cent U.S. postage stamp. You, too can put in your two cents’ worth with a letter to the editor published by Darienite.com. Email it to dave@darienite.com. Election letters will be accepted up to 11:59 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 28, 2021.
Residents rely on town officials for this ONE, sometimes invisible but hugely important attribute.
In addition to the invisible matter, I should first say Mike Burke has multiple ‘good fit’ attributes for Darien Selectman. He has served on the Board of Education for six years with Tara Ochman as chairwoman.
He enjoys working across the aisle, as others will attest, and few in politics find that enjoyable today! I have watched Mike, Tara and Sarah Neumann work in harmony in their campaign. We could all use a bit of harmony right now.
The Burkes have just sent their sons off to college, yet Mike continues to support Darien High School teams. He’s proud of Darien schools.
The important and invisible matter I spoke about? Ethics! It must be demonstrated and voiced, by town officials in their work, to be believed by residents. It’s uncomfortable to call out a colleague for unethical choices, but to prevent them from stumbling again, and to uphold working values, town officials must do it.
Mike and I call each other out on little things. Have done for years. Darien residents deserve a town official like Mike who will hold others accountable, no matter their party.
As a lawyer, ethics is required of Mike Burke every day, and he has it in spades. Ethics is required in town governance every day. Ethics matters! Vote Mike Burke for Darien Selectman on November 2nd.
Louise Waylett-Brown
Colony Road
Editor’s note: Election letters will be accepted up to 11:59 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 28, 2021.