Burke is Back: Former First Selectman Running Again

The following report is based on a press release from the campaign of Robert E. Burke.

Stating that someone needs to step up to the plate to course correct for Bethel, former First Selectman Robert E. Burke has announced his intention to seek the town's highest elected office. 

Burke, a two-term First Selectman from 2005-2009, will take the first step Monday night when he will seek the nomination and endorsement of the Bethel Republican Party at the Party’s caucus.

The caucus will take place at Bethel Middle School on Monday, July 22, at 7:30 p.m.

In his press release, Burke urges all Bethel Republicans "who care about honest government that respects the Town’s Charter and does not cater to special interests to please attend the Republican Caucus on Monday evening and support his candidacy for First Selectman."

He goes on to elaborate on what is motivating him to run:

“With what this town just went through fighting the sale of its water system by Matt Knickerbocker in violation of our Town's Charter, CT State Statutes, Election laws and Labor Laws, someone needs to step up to the plate who will fix the mess created by Mr. Knickerbocker and that’s one of the reasons I’m running for First Selectman again,” Burke said.

He added, “Now that Bethel voters have decided by a 3 to 1 margin to keep their water system, the ratepayers and residents deserve to have the most qualified person with the most experience and knowledge of our town’s infrastructure and its problems directing the complicated solutions required to maintain our town's water quality at affordable rates.”

Burke's second term as First Selectman ended in controversy when he was arrested on charges of harassment. Those charges were ultimately dismissed and Burke has maintained his innocence.

He sought the Republican Party's nomination in 2011, but was unsuccessful and ultimately appeared on the ballot as a Connecticut Tea Party candidate. Knickerbocker won that election. 

Burke talked about his Tea Party candidacy and other issues during a January 2012 appearance on "Time Out With Kevin Gallagher." You can watch that on YouTube.