Being an effective Councilman-at-Large centers on a) knowing the city’s strengths as well as areas in need of improvement b) having the skill set to address both.
If I am honored by the citizens of Natchitoches, through the election process, to be their next Councilman-at-Large, I promise to fully utilize my “professional toolbox” to help our city reach its maximum potential. While not all-inclusive, here is a snapshot of what citizens can expect from Greg Burke:
- Relentless work ethic. I come by that trait naturally. My Dad was a schoolteacher who worked 2.5 jobs until my three siblings and me were fully grown, and my mother, who had four children within the first six years of being married, was a hard-working homemaker. I will do more than just show up for city council meetings every other Monday. I will take the “at large” part of my position seriously and work tirelessly between meetings to assess and address issues in all corners of our city.
- Leadership experience. Oversight for a Division I athletic program with a budget similar to the city’s and managing an athletic department of over 500 student-athletes, staff, and coaches, while also engaging alumni, parents, media, and other constituencies, has provided me with a solid leadership foundation. The Councilman-at-Large also serves as the Mayor Pro Tem; thus, I am well-prepared to assume those duties as needed and required by the mayor.
- Can do attitude. “Let’s find a way to say ‘yes’” has been a mantra of mine on both a personal and professional level. Natchitoches has strengths, but we cannot let the negatives offset those qualities. Doing so will require being creative, trying novel approaches and being willing to bypass the “same old” …in other words, not always accepting the status quo.
- Moving the needle for Natchitoches is going to require working jointly with the mayor, city council, and city department heads while most importantly, seeking feedback and input from the citizens. I have served on local, state, and national committees and understand that the best results often are the product of valued input.
- As NSU’s Athletic Director, I was accessible 24/7. I take pride in being responsive to calls/texts and promise to operate in the same manner as a council member. My cell number is 318-663-5459 and my email is gsjb1022@gmail..com. You need me, you got me.
Finally, you can count on me to ask the right questions (your questions) and in a professional way (It is not that you say it but how you say it) and make tough decisions. A resident recently challenged me to do just that, and if I did, he said, “Not everybody is going to be happy but if it is for the greater good, then it will stick.”
The 1970 hit “Watcha See Is Watcha Get” by soul music group The Dramatics will define my modus operandi. I will be me and I will be there for you.
Remember, early voting begins this Saturday, March 9, and is open through the following Saturday, March 16 at the Natchitoches Parish Courthouse on Church Street. Election Day is Saturday, March 3. I respectfully ask for your vote – #35 Greg Burke for Councilman-at-Large.
Paid for by the Greg Burke Campaign.
