The Burlington Republican Committee is committed to providing all Burlingtonians a conservative voice and representation in our local government. We believe that our city is its best when the voice of all Burlingtonians are present and represented in our community.
Join Our Party
Our Next Event:
Burlington Summertime Creemee Social
Join us:
Tuesday, August 4, 2026 at 7:00 pm
Burlington Bay Market and Cafe, 125 Market Street
Building a Radically Reasonable Burlington
Let's talk about the stuff that actually matters, like:
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Smart Budgeting - when we're $12M in the hole
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A safe City Hall Park
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A clean Cherry Street Garage
This isn't about politics. It's about neighbors and real solutions for Burlington. The best ideas come from the people who live here. We have some thoughts, but we want to hear what YOU have to say!
Come as you are, there are no presentations, no expectations. Just an opportunity for friendly, small group chats.
It's BYOC - "Buy Your Own Creemee" - so plan accordingly.
See you there!
Bill Oetjen, Chair
CHAIR'S MESSAGE
The guiding theme in my first year is that we must be Vocal and Visible in order to be Viable.
I believe that we need to vastly increase our presence in the more than 30 Boards and Commissions in city government. I believe that we need to turn out in numbers at NPAs and City Council meetings when crucial issues are in play. And I believe that we need to ramp up our fundraising so we can win back City Council seats, etc to ensure that Burlington taxpayers will have a representative voice in bringing back safety, a pleasing environment, and prosperity to the city.
Stay patient. Get involved. Take Heart. Decades of deceit and irresponsible governance got us
into this mess; fixing a broken city will take time. Time, and diligence.
In coming months, I will address the tasks before us in more detail, and I will call upon each of
you to contribute whatever time and resources you can spare.
For now, I look forward to hearing from you and I will listen.
Who We Are
Bill
Oetjen
Chair
Bill lives in Ward 7, in the New North End. A retired MS teacher, he graduated Summa cum Laude from UVM. Disaffected from the Left and warmly welcomed by the Republican Party. If you see him out walking Ambrose, take a moment to stop and chat. Our city needs all of our help to Make Burlington Great Again!
Christopher
Felker
Vice-Chair
Christopher-Aaron, born in Bethlehem, PA, is a Navy veteran and Political Science graduate. A practicing Catholic, he’s lived in Burlington since 2013 with his husband, raising pugs and enjoying gardening, cooking, and biking. Formerly chair of the Burlington Republican Committee, he’s run for city council and state house.
Karen
Rowell
Treasurer
Karen Rowell, a longtime New North End resident and committee member, is a passionate advocate for traffic safety and transparency. She led a 2016 petition drive collecting over 1,650 signatures to challenge North Avenue's reconfiguration, forcing a public referendum. Karen brings a helpful and happy face to the committee.
Patricia
Myers
Secretary
Patty has lived in the New North End for almost 20 years. She joined Burlington GOP in 2021. She enjoys her beautiful Burlington neighborhood, backyard garden, wonderful neighbors, and the lovely walk to her workplace.
