Democratic Erie County Legislator Patrick Burke posted an unintentionally funny Instagram video, featuring his 7-year-old son, to make it official: He's running for the State Assembly seat vacated by Michael Kearns after Kearns was elected to serve as county clerk last year.
The independent-minded South Buffalo resident was elected to the Legislature in 2013 without party support, but since then appears to gained respect from party leadership for his willingness to work hard and put forward proposals that have gained support and attention over the past four years.
"Even though I haven't been 'their guy,' I think I've been someone who's led on the issues that are important to people," Burke said.
Burke successfully worked with legislators and the county executive to get a law passed in 2015 banning microbeads in beauty and bath products. He also gained national attention for his attempt to ban gay conversion therapy locally – originally giving his proposed law the acronym PENCE in a dig at the vice president. He also proposed the "Mimosa Law" to make it possible for bars to serve alcohol on Sunday mornings.
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