Office of the First Selectman

A Connecticut native born April 23, 1947, Bob Burke has lived in Bethel nearly his entire life. He grew up in town, went through the public school system, and graduated in Bethel High School’s class of 1965.

Bob Burke served in the United States Army National Guard for six years where he achieved the rank of Sergeant in Connecticut’s 102nd Infantry Division. Bob worked as a driver and then manager for the United Parcel Service until beginning his own business as a building contractor in 1985. His son, Scott, still continues to run Burke & Son.

With his long interest in serving the community, Bob served three years on the Planning & Zoning Commission, and more recently, on several Bethel building committees. His service includes the Permanent Building Committee, and the committees for Frank A. Berry and Bethel High schools. Stressing his lifelong passion for Bethel, Bob ran for and won election as First Selectman in 2005.

Bob Burke prides himself on being a friendly, outgoing leader with a lot of common sense. His office door is always open and he encourages constituents to call, write, or stop in with their concerns. He looks forward to a cooperative relationship between the Boards of Selectmen, Education, and Finance. Bob believes in constituent service and treating citizens as valued customers.

First Selectman Burke and his wife of over thirty years, Catherine, live in the Greenwood Avenue home where Bob grew up. The Burkes have six adult children, one grandson, a yellow Labrador and a Siamese cat.

The First Selectman's office is the chief administrative office of the Town of Bethel. From this office the Board of Selectmen carries out the legislative duties of the Town of Bethel. Additionally, the First Selectman's office handles the rental of Bennett Memorial Park, programs the Town's cable billboard on Channel 24, organizes the Summer Concert Series, and issues vending permits and passes to fish in Bethel's reservoirs. Feel free to call or visit at any time.