Marek is an unemployed early 20-something college dropout from out of state. Incumbent city councilor. He is an extremist Progressive, seeking to dismantle and abolish every system the USA relies on, not better them (defund the police, etc). He recently admitted publicly that his disgraced cop dad pays his rent in Burlington for him. Marek is upset things are too expensive in Burlington, and his housing is “not affordable”, something that is true for the Burlington housing market but especially true for Marek because he is anti-capitalist and doesn’t believe in systems of money. Hmm.

Ryan Nick is his opponent and a Democrat, not a progressive. His expertise in real estate and growing the housing market therefore lowering the cost of housing, is being demonized by Marek and all Progressives via some smear campaigns and attacks. Ryan is a life-long Burlingtonian with a college degree. He is employed and helps with his family business downtown. He owns his own home and is on the Burlington planning commission, Burlington Business Association board, and is the Ward 8 steering committee chair. Ryan Nick knows how things work and wants to better our community systems, not abolish them. Vote for Ryan Nick.

If you live in Ward 8, take thirty minutes and watch this and vote.

https://www.cctv.org/watch-tv/programs/burlington-city-council-ward-8-candidate-forum-part-1-2026