Hudson candidate profiles: Michael Burks – Select Board

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Hudson candidate profiles: Michael Burks – Select Board
Michael Burks is running for a seat on the Select Board. (Submitted photo)

HUDSON – Hudson is gearing up for its 2021 municipal elections on May 10. As voters get set to head to the polls, the Community Advocate has zeroed in on contested races for prominent bodies like Board of Selectmen and School Committee.

The Community Advocate reached out to candidates who filed paperwork to appear on their town’s ballot and asked them to submit a personal statement as well as answers to three specific questions.

See those biographies and read extended questions and answers from Hudson Select Board Candidate Michael Burks here…

And see profiles of other candidates…

PERSONAL BIO

My name is Michael Burks. My wife Lucia and I have lived in Hudson for 33 years where we raised our two children, Michael and Tiffani. I served as a Hudson police officer for 34 years and Chief for 4 1⁄2 years. Now it’s my turn to give back. I hold a Master’s Degree, certificate in leadership and have served on several local committees. I have extensive knowledge in collective bargaining, municipal procurement, policy application and other matters essential for someone on the Select Board. Most importantly, I will work hard to earn your trust as a Select Board Member.

QUESTIONS

What do you see as the most important issue(s) facing Hudson today?

I believe that the number one priority facing Hudson is mapping out a plan to recover from the pandemic that has held us hostage for the last year. The Select Board can help guide our municipal offices, businesses and our citizens as we return to a new normal. We all want to get back to engaging with friends and regularly patronizing the many businesses in our wonderful downtown and the Board can play an active role in promoting a plan for smart growth. With strong leadership, we will fully reopen our community as quickly and as safely as possible. Secondly, the Town must insure it maintains an adequate infrastructure. Most important is providing clean water to its citizens. I would make clear that my goal is to provide a permanent filtration system to ensure the citizens of Hudson can trust that the water they use is safe for consumption.

Both John Parent and Joe Durant whose terms expire, this year, have declined to run for reelection. That will mean that, whichever candidates win this race will arrive at the Select Board as newcomers. What will you bring to the Board?

As long-term members, John and Joe brought continuity to the Select Board, I pledge to do the same. Our residents expect and deserve to have their representatives educate themselves on the issues and govern in the town’s best interests. Hudson is at a unique place in its growth cycle and I want to represent the community as it transitions from one phase to the next ensuring that it retains its unique beauty and character. My extensive experience as a public servant with the Hudson Police Department coupled with my education and civic involvement, will add value to the Select Board. I intend to serve with transparency, commitment, inclusiveness, diversity, integrity, trust and humility. I’m committed to work with all residents, boards and departments to revisit and update the Town’s goals and objectives. This includes Covid recovery, clean water, fiscal responsibility, affordable housing and overall infrastructure.

Is there anything else you want voters to know about you as a candidate?

If the residents of Hudson choose me as a Select Board member, I will encourage their input on important issues and respect the responsibility that the community places in me. My decisions will be well thought out and representative of all of Hudson’s citizens. Special interest groups have legitimate agendas and valuable ideas, and I will listen carefully to their voices. Historically, I have led teams, managed in times of crisis and communicated with the public in a way that was informative and fact based. As a Select Board member, I will interact with all stakeholders and treat them with the respect and dignity that they deserve as valued members of the community.

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