Meet Your Candidates: Robert J. Burns, Burgess

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Name: Robert Burns

Age: 88

Party: Democrat

Occupation: Retired from Uniroyal Chemical

Past political posts: President of the Young Democrats (four years); member of the Naugatuck Welfare Board (21 years); Board of Mayor and Burgesses (since 1974).

Why are you running for burgess?

“I am running for burgess so as I can serve the people of Naugatuck with good, clean, honest government and be a part of the American dream. This is my country and my government and I shall do my best to serve it well. I am a veteran of World War II and also a Korean veteran. I’ve served my country well and am proud of it. I was a U.S. Navy veteran.” 

What can be done to increase economic development in Naugatuck?

“This can be better answered if the economy in the country is picked up. We have a committee in place now in Naugatuck working with Mayor Mezzo to try and help solve this problem.” 

Would you be in favor of privatizing any borough services? Why or why not?

“I’m not in favor of it at this time. The Visiting Nurses Association at this time should be left in place. As a member of the advisory committee, I feel it is being managed very well and we should not privatize the situation. I do not think we should privatize the street and parks department. They see, to be running properly.”

What will be your goals and priorities if elected?

“I would like to see the town garage moved to another location off Rubber Avenue. Repair or replace the Hillside Avenue road surface around Hillside School. This is a very dangerous situation and it should be on the list of replacement. Thirdly, see if there is any way we can give the elderly some kind of tax break. I think we have to try to help the elderly in some kind of way.”