Burrs said the state of the economy inspired him to run for mayor.
He said he thinks poor decision-making on all levels of government has contributed to the problems facing Americans.
"I just think we need people with a vision for the future, viable strategies and means to build community and ... spur on new job growth in areas like Hagerstown," he said.
Burrs said he would seek to bring a fiber-optic cable high-speed Internet system to Hagerstown to help attract high-tech businesses to the city. A previous state plan to install a fiber-optic network statewide ran out of funding before it reached Western Maryland, he said.
He said he would explore better ways to use taxpayers' money, such as investing in alternative energy.
"Instead of giving a feel-good property tax decrease, why not start investing in alternative energy like windmill technology or solar technology?" he said. "I think the people of Hagerstown would rather do that."
