The October 10 primary narrowed the field of candidates seeking three open seats on the Burlington City Council from 15 to 6. Michael Elmer did not make the final six, but he is running as a write-in candidate. Tri States Public Radio spoke with Elmer prior to the primary.
Elmer has an extensive background in the private sector as a business owner and in sales, including his current job in sales at Carpetland.
He said he's running for the city council to bring up new ideas and get back to the basics: lowering taxes, reducing crime, and making people want to live in Burlington.
Elmer said the city needs to establish firm priorities. He said reopening Cascade Bridge is a priority for him while adding parking spaces downtown is not. He also supports the re-use of the former Apollo School and he questions the need for the recently completed roundabout near the industrial park.
Elmer said he wants to help bring back the neighborhood feel that Burlington had when he was growing up, encouraging more homeownership as opposed to rentals when possible.
Early voting is underway in Burlington ahead of the November 7 general election.
