The following is a news release.

Dr. Dean Burke of Bainbridge announces his candidacy for Georgia State Senator, District 11.

“I look forward to representing all the citizens in District 11. We need strong, effective leadership in Atlanta and I want to provide the voice for southwest Georgia that represents our values, our needs, and our issues,” says Burke. The physician continues, “I want to thank John Bulloch for his years of dedicated service. His expertise on issues that affect Southwest Georgia will be a valuable resource to me. I will continue providing strong representation on agricultural issues, which are so important to our region.”

Dean Burke, a native southwest Georgian, is currently serving his second term as a member of the Bainbridge City Council. He graduated from the Medical College of Georgia in 1981, specializing in obstetrics and gynecology. Burke has maintained his practice in Bainbridge since 1985.

“As your State Senator, I want to use my unique perspective as a physician to affect the serious issue of healthcare in our state.  In addition, as a city council member, I’ve had to balance budgets while keeping taxes and fees at some of the lowest levels in the state. My years of service in local and state government give me a foundation of problem solving skills, a business-like approach to governmental functions, and experience in providing real solutions to the issues that face the citizens of our district every day.”

Earlier this year, Governor Nathan Deal appointed Burke to serve on the Georgia Board for Physician Workforce. In 2009, Lt. Governor Casey Cagle appointed Dr. Burke to the Lower Flint District Water Planning Board. Dean is also a member of the Bainbridge Rotary Club, the Bainbridge-Decatur County Chamber of Commerce, a former member of the Bainbridge Memorial Hospital Authority, and has been active with the Boy Scouts of America.

He and his wife Thea have two grown children, Will and Annalee. The Burkes are members of the First United Methodist Church of Bainbridge.