Mayoral candidate ready to go to work
My name is Burke Gardner, and I would like to explain to the people of Tracy, why I decided to file for election to be Tracy’s next mayor.
With a last name like Gardner, I’ve often felt that I needed to embrace my namesake, not just literally, as my wife and I do love to garden, but metaphorically as well. When we plant a seed, we water it, care for what grows, and tend to the weeds. Then, with patience and time, the hard work pays off with a bountiful harvest. I believe in doing the hard work, and as my grandfather taught me, If you possess the ability and the opportunity to help others, you jump in without hesitation. That’s how I approach life, I will always lend a helping hand, and once I start something, I keep at it, until the job is done.
Last Spring, my family and I decided it was time to put down some roots and chose Tracy as our home. We bought a house here because we see a town that punches way above its weight! We love living here and being a part of this great community and couldn’t be happier to call Tracy home.
It’s a community that encourages us to get involved, and work alongside others to make Tracy’s future even brighter. I have chosen to seek election as your next mayor, because I believe that working together, all of us in Tracy can accomplish great things. I do not pretend to have all the answers; what I will bring is a sincere intention to work for Tracy’s betterment, with an energetic leadership style to get things done.
A little bit about who I am: I am a native of Dickinson, ND, where I grew up. My grandparents were cattle ranchers and I spent much of my formative years working on their ranch near Medora, ND. I went to school to study technical theatre at Whitman College, and my career has found me wearing many hats. I’ve been an Apple expert, I’ve designed hundreds of homes. The bulk of my career, I’ve worked professionally all over the country in theatre, starting with the Medora Musical all the way to the San Francisco Opera. My specialty is building reproduction antique furniture, stage management, and scenic construction.
My wife, MyKelle works in Talent Acquisition, directing recruiting strategies for the North American division of a global IT services firm, with a career that has included several Fortune 500 companies. Our daughter, will be a first grader at Tracy Elementary this fall.
This past year, I found myself shifting careers, and worked almost full time as a substitute teacher for Tracy Area Public Schools. This experience gave me the opportunity to work with students in nearly every classroom at the elementary and high school. This coming school year, I am looking forward to beginning a fulltime position teaching English at the high school.
During our first year in Tracy, I became involved in many community activities. I’m an active member of the Kiwanis, serve on the board for Wheels Across the Prairie, and am a member of the Tracy Planning Commission. Since coming to town, I’ve learned about city government issues by attending most city council meetings. Last Summer, I enjoyed rolling up my sleeves with other volunteers to help install the new central park playground. You may even have heard me singing with the Southwest Minnesota Men’s Chorus or the Wilder Pageant Singers.
I am running for mayor because I see Tracy as an amazing place to live, to raise a family, to do business, to get involved. I believe strongly in Tracy as a community, and I want to be a champion for the town and its people. As mayor, I will work for each and every one of its citizens. I will listen to your concerns, I will work with others to see how we can improve our town. I will always choose to put Tracy first.
I am excited to throw my hat into the ring, and hope that I get the opportunity to meet and talk with many of you in the coming weeks.
I sincerely and humbly ask for your support on Election Day.
BURKE GARDNER TRACY
Something to be proud of!
Last Saturday, July 25, there was a Boerboom family reunion held at the new Tracy Community Center. There were about 35 in attendance, from Minnesota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Utah and Florida.
Everyone there expressed how beautiful and functional the facility was. It was obvious that much thought was put into the design and technology of the center. Being able to be in air conditioning on a hot day made the gathering very enjoyable.
The center is truly an asset to Tracy. A huge THANK YOU needs to go to the committee who worked so hard for years to get this facility.
Parking was not a problem.
ROBERT BOERBOOM TRACY
