Arthur Johanson
As a member of the Burlington Board of Finance for 32 years I have served four administrations the last 19 years as chairman. During my chairmanship the board has worked to improve the town’s bond rating four grades from Baa to A1. This was done by developing a surplus and modest tax increases thru conservative, detail line by line budgeting yet increasing the services, programs and facilities the town offers. During my time on the board the town developed a house numbering system to improve emergency response, house to house trash removal including heavy trash pickup services, additional fire, police and ambulance capabilities. Thru creativity we have made appropriate programs independent of the town’s budget allowing transportation for seniors, the development of girl’s and micro soccer. We have leveraged state and federal funds, low interest loans and self financing for new facilities and programs such as the Senior Housing complex, an expanded library, a new Highway Garage and Salt facility. We have developed new recreational fields at Nassahegan and Monce Road for little league, softball and soccer as well as Rails to Trails. Three sewer projects have been completed in the Lake Garda area serving over 400 homes and the Lake Garda school which was in desperate need of a solution. We have brought water to the Lewis Mills High School and HarBur Middle School facilities as well as the stores in the center of town some of which would not have been feasible without it and homes that needed water badly caused by an out of town company that polluted an area of town. I have worked with Region 10 on multiple initiatives’ involving five administrations including school additions, makeovers and funding and participated in the negotiation of teacher contracts.
I look forward to the challenges ahead such as improving the remote fire houses, recreational, senior and library facilities and community programs and land acquisitions for the future citizens of Burlington while maintaining an affordable tax rate. I seek the support of the citizens of Burlington so I can continue to server the town which we enjoy so much and grow at a planned and reasonable pace.
