15 people are running for three open seats on the Burlington City Council. The Oct. 10 primary election will narrow the field from 15 to six ahead of the Nov. 7 general election. Tri States Public Radio spoke with the candidates ahead of the primary, including Bill Ell.
Ell is quite familiar with city government -- he served on the city council from 2005-2012, including 4 ½ years as Mayor. He’s also a retired fire chief.
Ell said one of the reasons he wants to return to the city council is for the opportunity to work with City Manager Jim Ferneau. He said Ferneau has helped lead the city out of its financial woes and Ell wants to help that process continue.
Ell said he sees a lot of positives going on throughout the city with new businesses opening, new housing being built, and the work along the riverfront. He also supports the new police station, the addition of firefighters through a state grant, and the expansion of nuisance enforcement.
Ell said if elected, he would lobby state lawmakers to stop balancing the state budget on the backs of cities.
Early voting is underway in Burlington ahead of the Oct. 10 primary election.
