Why I am running.
Simply put, I want to continue to make a difference in the community I love. The Kent County Commission has a great history of strong leadership and consistency. This compelled me to run for this office in 2020 and is one of the reasons I’m running for re-election. We need to keep that continuity, and with my leadership skills I can help do that. I’m not afraid to mix it up and give someone my opinion. We need a proven leader with a strong personality. However, we don’t need a bulldozer; the key to my leadership success is rooted in my ability nurture unity by listening before I speak and being continually driven by my passion for the people I serve.
I am a lifelong resident of Kent County.
I'm a 4th generation Wyoming resident with family having lived in Wyoming for over 100 years. My wife Leesa and I decided to raise our family in Kent County because of the great schools and community values. I have owned and operated a small business here for the last 30 years. This has given me the work ethic and experience needed to help lead Kent County. I have been serving my community in various ways for almost 20 years. My roles include having served on the School Board for 5 years, Wyoming City Council for 11 years and almost 4 years as a Kent County Commissioner. Most recently I have served on the The Grand Rapids Public Museum Board and was chair of the Veterans millage renewal committee. I am currently serving on the Department of Public Works Board and the Gerald R Ford International Airport Authority Board.
So WHY am I running for re-election?
Simply stated - I am a proven leader with a heart for the community. I believe it’s my duty to serve and give back to the place I call home. My experience and leadership at the local level has given me the insight to operate effectively at the County level and help me represent and serve the citizens of Wyoming with the passion they deserve. I want to keep Kent County a great place to live and work.
The greatest challenge to that is lack of unity. We continue to divide depending on what political side we align with. We need to work to unite as a county with a common goal of a high quality of life: good paying jobs, affordable housing, great schools & allowing people to live the American Dream. While this dream is different for everyone, we need work together to provide an environment where all citizens are free to pursue their dreams. As a fiscal conservative, I believe we need to do this while exercising wise stewardship of Kent County’s resources. My personal passion is affordable housing. It is imperative to the growth of Kent County. When it comes to building homes and selling real estate, I have the most experience on the County board. That experience is vital when discussing important housing options within the county. We need to collaborate with the cities & townships and have meaningful dialogue on housing growth. My inclusion in those discussions as your County Commissioner will allow me to make the most impact on the growth of our community.
I want to continue my record of service at the Kent County level. However, to run successfully for this position, I need your help.
Please know that I appreciate your thoughts and prayers as I pursue this endeavor. If you have questions, feel free to contact me. Together we can carry on the strong and consistent tradition of service.
Respectfully
Dan Burrill
Kent County Commissioner, District 8