Candidate Q&A: Justin Burkhardt

Justin Burkhardt is running for Common Council At-Large in Richmond, Indiana as a Republican candidate in the 2023 general election.

2023 Election Guide

The Western Wayne News asked candidates in contested races for the Nov. 7 general election the same nine questions.

1. What are two specific reasons you decided to run for this office? (100 words or less.)
2. If elected/re-elected, what are your top three priorities for your time in office? (150 words or less.)
3. What are two specific skills you would bring to the office to benefit constituents, if elected/re-elected? (100 words or less.)
4. What’s one aspect of the government body you’re seeking to join or lead that you think is working well and should continue? (100 words or less.)
5. What’s one aspect of the body you’re seeking to join or lead that you think needs to change, and what specific action(s) would you pursue to change it? (100 words or less.)
6. Will you accept the results of the election process even if you are not elected/re-elected? (50 words or less.)
7. Beyond encouraging attendance at public meetings, how do you plan to involve residents in decision making processes that the office you seek is a part of? (100 words or less.)
8. If you received a $5 million grant to improve our community any way you wanted, what would you do with it and why? (150 words or less.)
9. Any other comments you’d like to share about your candidacy? (150 words or less.)

Candidates were given a month’s time to respond with a firm deadline. We share their answers, unedited from their original form, here and in our print editions.

For full election coverage, visit the Western Wayne News 2023 Election Guide.

Reasons: I decided to run because I want to be a part of the solution to issues that we face as a city. I’m running for Richmond’s future. I also believe in service to others. I am inspired daily by acts of service, and if elected, I want to be able to improve outcomes for others in our city.

Priorities: I want to prioritize the safety and security of our city. Our first responders sacrifice in the line of duty so it’s imperative that city leadership provides them with necessary tools to carry out the job. It’s also vital that our citizens feel safe at home and at work.

Our businesses, current and future, large and small, need to feel supported by our city through policy and leadership.

Lastly, strategic planning and fiduciary responsibility of our constituent’s tax dollars. Our citizens need to know that their monies are being spent responsibly on our future growth.

Skills: I would bring Accountability with Integrity, and Transparency. Our constituents deserve these things. I would help to connect our city with outside resources. This would eliminate duplication of resources and allow other entities to contribute. I would also provide transparency of the city’s vison and provide updates on the progress that we are making.

Working well: I would like to join the finance committee. Being able to be a part of budget discussions and provide a different perspective will be key to forging a path to a better tomorrow. We need more strategic financial planning.

Needs changing: Code enforcement. We need to uphold the codes that are in place.

Accepting results: Absolutely.

Involving residents: Our city needs transparency. We need leadership that can explain the path to better outcomes, and what it will take to get there.

$5 million: First, not all money is free and does come with stipulations. It’s important to note that being awarded grant monies doesn’t mean that it is right for our city. You must consider how it will affect our constituents and future expenses. If it had no strings attached, I would look to bolster our rainy-day fund. I would look to plug in to the priority areas that I outlined above.

Other: I was born in Richmond and raised here. It would be an honor to serve the community that helped to raise me. I have a bachelor’s degree from Miami University and a master’s degree from Indiana University East with a focus in business and management. Our city has some difficult decisions ahead and we need accountability and leadership to help navigate these waters.