It’s a rare thing when an average citizen decides to run for office and is successful but that’s exactly what happened with Pat Burke in 2013. Pat is a family man and community activist who was tired of seeing dysfunction and corruption in our political system. He decided to run for office to change things. With little help and even less money, he set out on what many considered a quixotic venture. He pounded the pavement and ran a shoe leather, grass roots campaign. His success came as a shock to the political establishment. The media announced Pat’s victory as a breathe of fresh air, “Burke will arrive at County Hall virtually free of political debts—a true independent. Couldn’t we use a couple dozen more like that in elected office?”
Pat is a graduate of Buffalo State College with a Bachelors degree in Political Science. Pat served a year of National Service with AmeriCorps, and worked for The United Way of Buffalo and Erie County. Pat has also worked for the Gaelic American Athletic Association, one of Western New York’s most well established cultural organizations. He was recognized as one of the “40 under 40” in Irish America by the Irish Echo.
We sat down with Legislator Burke to get to know him a little better.
1.) Tell us a bit about the role of a County Legislator.
The Legislature is the policy making body of the region. The geographic size and the population of the county is large enough to have meaningful and impactful policy measures but also local enough that the people we represent have clear and common interests. My law banning plastic microbeads is a good example of this. Erie County is situated along Lake Erie, which combined with the other Great Lakes is one of the largest fresh water sources in the world. My law banning microbead plastics was especially important here but protecting fresh water and the ecosystem is important everywhere. That’s why the law has spread all over New York State and beyond. By taking the initiative locally, where we don’t have to face as many barriers as state and federal officials, we were able to set the standard and get the ball moving. Right now, I’m working at the county level to get an exemption from New York State’s Sunday blue law. In New York, alcohol cannot be served before noon on Sundays. Some could argue that drinking alcohol before noon on Sunday isn’t such a great idea but that really isn’t the point. We should allow adults to make their own decisions and in a country that is committed to the separation of church and state, we should do away with archaic laws based on religious beliefs. I have submitted a bill called the “Mimosa Resolution” that I hope can lead to changes in Erie County and ultimately, all of New York State.
2.) What first got you interested in public service?
I was a community activist. I never actually fathomed that I would be an elected official. I was cynical of the role politicians played in the world, and I suppose in many ways, I still am. At some point, I realized that I wasn’t going to get anything done unless I gained influence. The Plato quote, “Those who refuse to participate in politics are destined to be ruled by their inferiors” was ringing in my ears.
3.) How does your perspecitve as an Irish American elected official shape how you work on issues?
Being an Irish American is woven into the fabric of who I am as a person, and how I was raised. It’s led to a bit of a quagmire of perspective actually. On the one hand, we were expected to be accountable for our actions and to never feel sorry for ourselves. On the other, we were taught that people are often trapped in unfortunate circumstances that are out of their control. I don’t know if it is an Irish American point of view or just my family’s but I would say you hold yourself accountable in order to give yourself the best opportunity for success all the while understanding that in many ways, the deck is stacked in favor of those from more affluent backgrounds. I could simply say as an Irish American, I root for and work for the underdog.
4.) What are the most pressing issues facing your constituents ?
Buffalo, N.Y. which is the largest city in Erie County is seeing a renaissance after decades of decline. It really is a fantastic place to be right now but we still have problems with sprawl, segregation, functional public transportation, and poverty. The problems all tie together from a history of blunders from past leaders. What the region needs is a plan for the future, a plan for the “new Buffalo.” We’re one of the only counties in New York State without a planning board. That is basic stuff that has to get fixed.
5.) What message do you think will help Democrats win at all levels in 2016?
Republicans are going to do everything in their power to keep people afraid leading up to the 2016 election. They know their only shot at the White House is if the key to the election is national security. We have to be smart, keep reminding people that a vibrant economy is what keeps America strong and Republican austerity will weaken us. I’ve seen too many Democrats trying to distance themselves from Obama, I get why it’s tempting but they shouldn’t do it. They have to go into elections with some swagger, and give people a reason to vote for them. As Truman wisely said, “given a choice between a Republican or a Democrat who acts like a Republican, the public will choose the Republican every time. “
Pat is a graduate of Buffalo State College with a Bachelors degree in Political Science. Pat served a year of National Service with AmeriCorps, and worked for The United Way of Buffalo and Erie County. Pat has also worked for the Gaelic American Athletic Association, one of Western New York’s most well established cultural organizations. He was recognized as one of the “40 under 40” in Irish America by the Irish Echo.