Paula M. Burke
Testimonials
-John Keenan, State Representative, Salem, MA
I have known Paula since our high school days where she graduated as valedictorian from our class. Her extensive commitment and volunteerism over the years in her “new” hometown of Topsfield are remarkable, but not surprising in the least bit. Prior to being elected as state representative, I served as Salem’s City Solicitor and worked extensively with our City Clerk. I am fully aware of the demands of the job and skill set needed to be successful. Working with others, keeping up with changing local and state regulations and serving the citizens of Topsfield will all be essential for the next clerk. Knowing Paula’s intellect, work ethic and commitment to her town, I can’t think of a more qualified or better candidate for this position. Topsfield would be extremely fortunate to have her serve in this capacity.
-Darcy Fulton, Cultural Council, etc.
Paula is one of those people you meet you know instantly is smart, capable, a doer & has a such a sincere & pleasant manner. I first became aware of Paula's tireless efforts for the betterment of our community when she was on the Recycling Committee. She was instrumental in getting Topsfield to its status today. I was able to see firsthand just how capable Paula was when we were on the Recreation Committee I was very impressed with her ability to work with all, listen & then speak, volunteer to look into a project then report in an intelligent, researched, thorough, efficient, & effective manner. One of these projects was large & complex-Topsfield Night at the Spirit-Paula handled it all from the planning, tickets, promoting, transportation with a efficient & calm professional manner. Needless to say it was a success!
Other projects I had the opportunity to be involved with Paula was with the Topsfield Cultural Council. She wrote grants for the EXPO in 2009 and for the Senior Information Fair in 2009-both of which she was involved in their successful implementation. Another project I was able to see first hand Paula's unique skills was the Topsfield Main St. Beautification Day. She certainly contributed to another successful outcome for our community.
I am confident Paula Burke would be an outstanding Town Clerk and an asset to the Topsfield Town Hall.
-Al DiDonato, Dave Comeau, Harry Lear, veterans
Paula Burke has been a constant supporter for veterans’ activities in the town of Topsfield. She has been a valuable liaison whenever it was necessary to coordinate plans with various elements in the town such as the Topsfield Main Street Foundation, the Historical Society, Masconomet, Proctor School, Topsfield Memorial Day Planning Committee, etc. Paula’s involvement reflects her commitment to civic and patriotic duties. It is a relief to know that the veterans of Topsfield can count on Paula Burke whenever her assistance is requested.
-David and Lauren Bunker, Masconomet Boosters
Paula Burke is an excellent candidate for Town Clerk. Her tireless
involvement with Masconomet High School Football and Basketball Boosters has made for a greater high school experience for all players and families involved.
Specifically, the memory books that Paula organized and produced for each
player and family are permanent records of the great years we have had
together. Additionally, Paula organized the 50th Year Celebrations for both
Basketball and Football which were tremendous community building events.
The organization, focus and enthusiasm that Paula brings to all her work
would make her a success as Town Clerk.
-Sue Fisher, Proctor Band Boosters Co-President & former Topsfield PTO President
When I heard that Paula Burke was running for Town Clerk I was very pleased. I have worked with her for many years at the TESPTO Scholastic Book Fair and most recently The Proctor School Band Boosters. The PTO and Band Boosters both raise money for programs that are not completely covered in Topsfield's Town Budget. Paula has a very good understanding of our town's needs and will be very effective as a town employee. She is highly organized, has great interpersonal skills, an idea person and very motivated. She's passionate and works enthusiastically for many of our town's organizations. I have also been fortunate to have observed her at the Tri Town Umbrella Group's monthly meetings with the schools’ superintendents. It's here that I've learned of other projects she has been involved with and that deepens my opinion that Paula is a very capable individual. Paula's contributions to Topsfield speak for themselves and furthers my belief she would be a huge asset as Town Clerk.
-Meg Black, artist and Professor at Endicott College
The devil is in the details. Several years ago I was working on a project with Paula who wanted to include an image of a book in the painting composition. The purpose for including the book was in memorial to her father, who was an avid reader. Her love for her dad and the close relationship they shared with literature meant a great deal to her, and she wanted a book in the painting as a tribute to this memory. Well, finding a place to paint an image of a book into a large-scale garden painting wasn't easy, but we settled on placing it, open as if it was being read, on a bench that was a minor part of the overall composition. By painting the book at such a small scale, it was included in the composition, and yet remained hidden from all but those who know to look for it. I've often thought of this request over the years for two reasons: 1) only a person so dedicated to detail would think of including such a small image into such a large scale; and 2) only someone who is sensitive about other people and her relationship with them would think of such a significant inclusion as testimony to that relationship. I think of how both qualities are omnipotent in a Town Clerk and the choice to vote for Paula becomes clear.
-Steve Powers, Recreation Committee Chairperson
As a member of the Recreation Committee, Paula was able to make great contributions to our programs. She’s the type of person on whom you can trust to see an event from start to finish and know it will be successful. Among her contributions to the committee were the popular Topsfield Night at the Spirit, the Old Time Baseball game, and Santa's Workshop during the Holiday Walk. She’s an active and caring community member and I believe she will be a great Town Clerk for the Town of Topsfield .
-John Daniels, Masconomet Class of 2010 (Dartmouth 2014)
Mrs. Burke has dedicated so much of her time towards our local community. Starting when she worked as the schoolwide book fair coordinator back at Steward and Proctor schools, she has continued to work tirelessly over the years and has contributed to both the Masconomet football and basketball programs tremendously. Mrs. Burke also ran athletic events commemorating the 50th birthday of Masco and spent countless hours compiling memory books for both the football and basketball teams. Her work has made my athletic experiences and time as a member of the Masco Class of 2010 all the more memorable.
-Lynne Bermudez, Director of Religious Education at St. Rose of Lima Parish
I have known Paula Burke for more than 9 years. Paula's strengths in leadership, networking, and organization have been instrumental in her being able to recruit, train and oversee parent volunteers to coordinate St. Rose of Lima's Religious Education Family Masses. Paula's willingness to share her time and talents with our students and their families as our Family Liturgy Coordinator for 10 years and as a CCD Teacher for 5 years (and more broadly as a member of the Parish Council) have made her an invaluable member of the parish.