Mark Burrows

Mark R. Burrows earned a bachelor's degree from Wake Forest University in 1985 and a graduate degree from Duke University in 1987. His career experience includes working in government. As of 2024, Burrows was a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners.[1]

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Video submitted to BallotpediaReleased September 23, 2024

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Mark Burrows is an experienced local leader and organizer. Key points include :

1) Dedicated over three decades to improving Transylvania County and Western NC's economy through business retention and recruitment and sustainable planning practices (Burrows is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners).

2) Led and served on business and economic development organizations such as the local Chamber of Commerce, Transylvania Partnership, AdvantageWest, and the Western NC Biotech Board.

3) Created Project Empathy in Transylvania County as a way to promote greater civic engagement and community dialogue.

4) Married to Betsy Burrows, a life-long educator, and we have lived in Brevard, NC for nearly 35 years. Burrows and his wife have two grown children. He is an avid trail-runner and mountain biker.

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?

Promoting stronger economic development opportunities for working class families: affordable healthcare, affordable housing, good-paying jobs (Living Wage), child and elder care assistance, and better roads.Protecting women's reproductive rights and health care privacy.Funding public schools and supporting our teachers.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Economic Development and Planning (particularly as WNC looks to rebuild following Hurricane Helene); Environmental Issues; Budget; and Education (supporting public education).

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

* Commitment to public service (service above self)

Moralistic/Ethical behavior, characterized by traits such as honesty, integrity, humility, courage and compassion

Independence, transparency, integrity, competence and fairness

Taking the time to be present (listening to others, asking questions, and then taking responsibility)

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

Listen to and act on behalf citizens living in NC House District 119 (Transylvania, Jackson, and Swain Counties). Beyond that, it is imperative that elected representatives focus on developing sound policy by working with other legislators regardless of party affiliation. This work should be done in an open fashion that ensure government accessibility, accountability, and transparency.

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

My first job was mowing yards in the neighborhood where I grew up. 4-5 years.

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

It's a Beautiful Day by U2

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

A healthy relationship between the governor and state legislature would center around respectful tension that provides the space for different ideas to be openly discussed/debated and then clear policy developed.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

* Climate Change and environmental issues as they relate to future planning and economic development

Fairer taxing policies

Supporting public schools (K-12, Universities, and Community Colleges)

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

Yes. I think that having previous experience in local and state government provides greater insight into the legislative process and working with different individuals and groups.

What committees interest you?

* Appropriations, Agriculture and Natural and Economic Resources

Appropriations, Education

Disaster Recovery

Environment

Finance

Energy

Education (k-12 and University)

Election Law

Families, Children and Aging

Federal Relations and American Indian Affairs

Local Government

Pensions and Retirement

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

Having served in local government for nearly 31 years, I think legislators should be required to share their emails and calendars and that the budget process should be openly shared and debated prior to being adopted.