George Burns

George Burns was born in Dunkirk, New York. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1979 to 1984 and the U.S. Coast Guard from 1984 to 2002. Burns earned a bachelor's degree from the Maine Maritime Academy in 1979 and a graduate degree from Baldwin Wallace University in 1986. He also attended the Naval War College. Burns' career experience includes working as a maritime consultant, a Naval officer, a Coast Guard officer, and a Merchant Marine desk officer.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Political outsider. Conservatively minded, independent thinking Republican. Retired U.S. Coast Guard Officer with small town Western NY roots. Believes that truth no matter the source, nor the subject is all that matters. Faith, family, country just like our WW2 generation parents taught us. Strong conservation/environmental expertise from my Coast Guard years through my present self employment, particularly in the maritime environments of our coasts, lakes and rivers. Believes that career politicians, lawyers and anyone regardless of party who is motivated to do this by any shred of personal ambition got us into the current mess. Worked for 4 years in DC during final Coast Guard tour. Does not like the town. Author "No One Forgets", a book detailing all the men from Chautauqua County killed in our wars. I do this for them.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

TRUTH at all costsFaith, Family, Country...just like our parents taught us.Career politicians, lawyers and those motivated by personal ambition got us into this mess, regardless of party.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

COVID mandates, censorship, destruction of the environment by wind turbines, veterans affairs, conserving our natural environment, legal immigration

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

President Ronald Reagan. A true gentleman and forceful conservative.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

My research into the hundreds of men killed from Chautauqua County and presented in the book No One Forgets drives home the value of life, and the duty that elected leaders have in not wasting that innocent and trusting life on matters that are not of the utmost national interest.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Integrity, fortitude, understanding and a sense of mercy.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

Fortitude, compassion, Christian values concerning the dignity of all persons, friendly nature.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Use lifelong experience and wisdom to comment and vote on matters in accordance with our constituition.

What legacy would you like to leave?

My life to date will have to speak for itself. Ive done my best, made my mistakes. On balance Ive served my faith, family and country.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

The day President Kennedy was shot. I was in the 2nd Grade. The teacher told us.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Picking cherries for a local farmer and mowing grass. High School years.

What is your favorite book? Why?

The American Practical Navigator by Bowditch...almost everything you need to know to navigate out of a storm.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

none

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Year Of The Cat by Al Stewart

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Ive supported my family, sent 5 children through college, hopefully raised them to be good faith-based persons. The struggle is wondering if they realized it.

What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?

Constitutionally instituted.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

I think previous experience should be a disqualifier for the House. It would be beneficial if these office holders had some experience in the military.

If you are not a current representative, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

Merchant Marine, environmental type committees

Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?

yes

What are your thoughts on term limits?

2 terms and out.

Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

No, only as negative role models.

Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

As a private citizen I researched and heard many stories about those who have lost their lives defending our country.

Tell us your favorite joke.

no way

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

I will not compromise key values. That said my best friends in Fredonia are liberals. I am a friendly, extroverted person. Every day is a new day.

The Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected?

My views would depend on the nature of the spending. If the Bill contain an element that was contrary to my key values I would vote against it.

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