Burton says cancer won’t keep him from serving constituents

Published Date

BATH —Following newspaper reports that he is suffering from cancer, longtime Executive Councilor and Grafton County Commissioner Ray Burton of Bath issued a statement about his health yesterday.
"After months of tests," Burton began, "I have been diagnosed with curable kidney cancer." He went on to say that he expected to undergo treatment for between two and three months. While undergoing treatment, he said, "I will temporarily reduce my travel and meetings schedule."
Burton represents 108 towns — nearly half the 234 in the state — and four cities in the seven northernmost counties and is well known for regularly visiting them all, by automobile, airplane and railroad train.
Burton assured his constituents "I will be responding to inquiries for relief, assistance and information from folks who want my help within the executive branch of state government and county government from my home office here at 338 River Road, Bath" and said he can be reached by telephone at 747-3662 or e-mail at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . "I am still on duty to serve the people in the towns, cities and counties in the land I have come to love over my lifetime of public service," he said.
In his 35 years as an executive councilor he has only missed one meeting and has rarely missed meetings of the Grafton County Commission during his 19 years as a commissioner. He said that he will be participating in meeting "via electronic hook-up."
Burton reminded constituents that Ben Belanger, a senior at Plymouth State University and the 142nd intern to serve with him, can be reached at 271-3632 and will respond to any inquiries.
"I expect to be back under full steam shortly," Burton said. "I thank my constituents, family and friends for their outpouring of support, but fear not. Ray Burton will be back to 100-percent before you know it, passing out business cards and combs! I am forever humbly at your service."
Burton, who is 73, has begun his 18th term on the Executive Council, where he has served for 34 of the past 36 years.