The October 10 primary narrowed the field of candidates seeking three open seats on the Burlington City Council from 15 to 6. Tri States Public Radio spoke prior to the primary with the top six finishers, including Matthew Rinker, who finished fourth.
Rinker is an insurance agent who's served on various boards and commissions involving the riverfront and housing. He said he’s running for the city council because he is concerned about the direction of the city.
Rinker said the current city council has done a good job of reversing the city’s failing financial picture, so now is the time to look to grow the city and prevent that from happening again.
Rinker said the key to growth is to encourage private development of affordable housing and to limit the city-based hurdles for starting and growing businesses. He said that includes offer tax incentives to developers and to home buyers and to reduce the property tax burden, which would give people more money to spend locally.
Rinker also believes the city needs to work closer with the Greater Burlington Partnership, and he hopes to see attractions along the riverfront that will bring people to the city.
Early voting is underway in Burlington ahead of the November 7 general election.
