Election 2019 Q&A: Council Candidate Don Burton
By Connect-Bridgeport Staff on May 27, 2019
With the City of Bridgeport's election coming on June 11, Connect-Bridgeport sent questions to the five candidates for the two seats on City Council and to the one candidates for City Recorder. Each candidate was given the same five questions to answer on key issues relating to the city and their views on those issues.
The goal is help inform residents of where candidates stand on certain issues. We recommend for those that have inquries on other
issues to please contact the candidates. We believe you will find all of them agreeable to answer any questions you may have as it relates to the upcoming election and the City of Bridgeport.
issues to please contact the candidates. We believe you will find all of them agreeable to answer any questions you may have as it relates to the upcoming election and the City of Bridgeport.
Candidate Adam Starkey, due to health issues that arose after filing, was unable to respond per his wife. Council candidate Jim Yeater did not respond.
Please note all responses shown are as submitted.
COUNCIL CANDIDATE DON BURTON
Question 1:
Biography (250 Words or Less)
I was born in Tucson, Az., son of a career USAF Officer. I am the youngest of four children. I attended Morris Harvey College/University of Charleston with an athletic scholarship (rowing), graduating with a BA in Health Education, Physical Education and Recreation. Following graduation, I worked in the Kanawha Valley, starting at Kanawha County Parks & Recreation Commission, followed by the Town of Belle, City of Charleston, and the City of St. Albans. I came to the City of Bridgeport in 1987. I am married to Kym Burton who is from Charleston, WV. Kym has been a school teacher for the past 24 years. We attend St. Mark’s Lutheran Church. Our children are Grant that resides in Bridgeport, Sarah residing in Fort Lauderdale, Fl and John Starkey in Las Vegas, NV.
Question 2:
Bridgeport, like other cities throughout the state, is being impacted by the drug epidemic. Although the visible signs might not be as prevalent as other cities, issues exist. What beyond what is already being addressed do you feel needs to be done, if anything at all? (350 Words or Less)
We need to continue a strong police interdiction team on the interstate system. Much of the traffic traveling on I-79, involves drug distribution. I am confident that the dangers of drugs/alcohol, are being taught in the Middle and High schools, along with the strong support of the school’s resource officer. Along with the “experimenting” with drugs, we now have a heavy use of electronic cigarettes and misinformation which can be a gateway to other unhealthy habits. I feel one area that might need addressed is a parent education class. Many parents aren’t familiar with the types of drugs in our area, as well as the accessibility. This accessibility includes prescription medicines in the home medicine cabinet. Our medical professionals are working to control the amounts of opioids prescribed, but parents need educated on just how serious the drug issue is in so many cities, including our community. Along with education about dangers and affects as prevention, those already dealing with use or addiction need to be aware of programs for assistance that are free, such as Celebrate Recovery.
Question 3:
With Home Rule now a permanent option as opposed to a pilot program, do you believe it has been good for the city and would you like to see other ideas considered for expansion? (350 Words or Less)
Bridgeport has been a pioneer in the Home Rule program since its inception. We must continue to look at ways to implement home rule in order to help our residents and businesses succeed. In the past, we have worked with Harrison County Board of Education, assisting in the funding and development of Johnson Elementary and Bridgeport High School’s gymnasiums. Keeping our ability to govern on a local level is vital to create an atmosphere that promotes business development and harmony with our citizens.
Question 4:
Already, Bridgeport has become a summer sports destination thanks to the outdoor portion of the Recreation Complex. When the indoor portion goes on line, how does Council strike a balance similar to the outdoor facility to use it to draw outsiders as a destination and allow it to have local access for its residents and the region? (350 Words or Less)
Bridgeport has a great track record with past and present use of the outdoor Recreation Complex. Local businesses have benefitted by hosting numerous statewide tournaments. Keeping a balance of local sponsored league usage and state wide tournaments is the key to the operations of the indoor Recreation and Sports Complex. The local community has always scheduled the facility first and outside tournaments second. The same practice should occur with the indoor complex. The indoor Recreation and Sports will be able to host a variety of events such as major volleyball, wrestling, swimming and basketball tournaments just to name a few. The facility will also be able to host trade shows, exhibits and much more. Proper scheduling of these events will bring in thousands of athletes, parents and spectators, which in turn, puts heads in beds and boosting the local economy.
Question 5:
The city has been fortunate to have revenues – fund balance – at the end of fiscal years for many years now. The trend during that time is to annually utilize the funds for one-time projects or capital purchases or to help pay off escrowed projects early. Do you believe this is a good method to handle those funds continuing as is, do you believe it should be tweaked, or do you believe Council should use its discretion to utilize the funding in another manner? (350 Words or Less)
I think the current process is working fine right now. If the process needs to be changed or updated it should come from the strategic planning process that is held each year.
