.png)
ABOUT BURT
About Me
My wife and I have lived in Huntley for several years. We have come to enjoy the many activities available in the community and look forward to when they are once again fully open to all of us. But how did we end up Huntley? It is somewhat of a circular story.
We were both born in New York. In fact, we met while we were both attending Cornell University in beautiful upstate New York. From there, we moved to New York City, where I attended New York University as a PhD candidate in Economics. Graduate school itself was both gratifying and challenging.
However, over time, my enthusiasm for the program noticeably waned and I began to explore other educational opportunities. That alternative ultimately chosen was the University of Wisconsin Law School in Madison.
.png)
After graduating from law school, I began my career in law. Rather than moving back to New York, we stayed in the Madison area for many years, raising our two sons. My professional career in Wisconsin was varied, including many years as a practicing attorney in a law firm and a fairly lengthy tenure as Legal Counsel for the League of Wisconsin Municipalities (an association protecting and advancing the interests of Wisconsin cities and villages).
While in private practice, a good portion of my work was devoted to representing or working with local governments on a wide range of issues, from drafting of ordinances and contracts to litigating their interests in court (zoning/land use, construction, employment, economic development, environmental, eminent domain, intergovernmental agreements, civil rights, etc.).
On the other hand, while the League’s Legal Counsel, I was even more immersed in the actual operations of cities and villages and acted as a legal resource for municipal attorneys throughout the State, as well as lecturing and writing articles, handbooks, manuals, etc. on all aspects of local government law.
After many years in Wisconsin, my wife and I moved back to New York. Our now adult sons, however, remained in the Midwest. I continued to practice law in New York, primarily in the area of construction law (both in the public and private sectors). We ultimately moved back to the Midwest – namely, Huntley – to be closer to our sons and grandchildren.
Over the years, my involvement in local government affairs has not only been limited to the practice of law. I have also been and continue to be an active participant in the activities of local government and community-oriented associations. While living in Wisconsin, I served on a host of governmental commissions and committees, as well as serving as a trustee on a Village Board for 5 years. I am presently a member of Huntley’s Historic Preservation Commission, Kane County’s Zoning Board of Appeals, and Huntley’s Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association (assisting the Huntley Police Department during special events).
My candidacy for the position of Huntley Trustee is a further demonstration of my passion for service at the local level. Indeed, based my background and skills, I am confident that I am well prepared to meet the challenges of that position. I would therefore ask you to support me in my effort to attain that goal.
​
Sincerely,
​
Burt
Relevant Employment Positions / Public Service Positions
Former Legal Counsel, League of Wisconsin Municipalities – an association comprised of WI cities and villages
Former Co-Owner, Local Government Services, Inc. – published handbooks (including Local Government Digest, an exhaustive newsletter issued every two weeks) and sponsored seminars focusing on subjects of interest to local government officials
Private Practice Attorney – represented various WI local units of government in a wide range of issues
Public Service Experience
Current:
Member, Kane County Zoning Bd. Of Appeals (2019 to Present)
Member, Huntley Historic Preservation Commission (2018 to Present)
Member, Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association (2018 to Present)
Past:
Member, Village of Oregon (WI) Board of Trustees
Member, Oregon Planning Commission
Member, Oregon Community Development Authority
Chair, Personnel Committee, Oregon Village Board (oversaw police department operations)
Co-Chair, Oregon Community Economic Development Commission
Chair, 1996 and 1997 Oregon Summer Fest (4-day festival attracting 10,000 people)
Vice President, Oregon Area Chamber of Commerce (1996)
Member, various Dane County (WI)-established and State (WI)-created committees
Some relevant Publications:
Local Government Services, Inc., Co-author, “Wisconsin’s Open Meeting Law”
Local Government Services, Inc., Co-author, “Public Construction in Wisconsin”
NBI, Co-author, “Major Land Use Laws in Wisconsin”
Federal Publications, Co-author, “Wisconsin Environmental Law”
Author, various publications and newsletters on construction- and local government-related matters
