Severn: Burkett will put down his wrench

NATHAN TAYLOR Packet & Times November 20 2010
Mike Burkett was born and raised in Severn Township, but he had no idea just how big the municipality was — and how many people he actually knew — until he started his door-to-door campaigning during the municipal election race.

“I apologize if we missed people,” he chuckled at his shop, Muskoka Wrench, on Friday. “But we tried to hit every house.”
When it comes to getting acquainted with the township, Burkett’s job is only beginning. The mayor-elect received nearly 40% of the vote in the Oct. 25 election, unseating incumbent Mayor Phil Sled and defeating two other challengers.
If only every day could consist Burkett, 52, is ready to hand the reins of his business to his brother.
“I want to devote all my time to the township. I want to make sure I do a good job. I’m really looking forward to it.”
And it’s not as though he won’t have people watching to make sure he does just that. Working at an auto shop, opinions are not hard to come by. Clients and co-workers often discuss politics and other local issues.
“Hopefully, now, I can do something about it,” Burkett said, but noted he is only one vote.
He has met with some of the councillors to get to know his new colleagues and establish some key goals.
“It’s not like I’m going in green, not knowing this council.”
One of those goals for Burkett is to make the township more appealing to the youth who already live there. By doing so, it could attract other families with young kids to the area.
“On this side (of the township), there’s really nothing for youth, and there’s a lot of them on this side,” he said of the east side.
But the top priority will be dealing with matters outstanding from the outgoing council.
Winning the election wasn’t a first only for Burkett, but for his family. In fact, no one in his family had even attempted a run at public office.
“I was told, ‘Don’t put your expectations too high. You’ve never run before and you’re run-n ing against an incumbent mayor.'”
Burkett was also once “terrified” at the notion of speaking in front of large groups of people. Running for a position like mayor, that just wouldn’t fly, he figured, and so he joined the Toastmasters speaking club in the summer.
“What a great club,” he said, adding the experience helped when he took part in a candidates’ discussion at Park Street Collegiate Institute.
Not much has changed since he was elected — “other than people coming in to congratulate me.”
“I just hope, after my four-year term, that all my friends are still my friends. I don’t like making enemies.”
He thanked all who voted, even if they didn’t vote for him, “because we hadn’t had a real election in Severn Township for a long time.”
Burkett resides not far from his Agnew Road business with his wife, Melodie. He has two stepsons.