November 6, 2023 • 31 mins
Get ready to hear the inspiring story of Justin Burkhart, the hopeful Republican candidate for Richmond City Council, as he shares his vision for the future of our beloved Richmond. Join us, Kevin and Hannah, two seniors from Richmond High School, as we uncover Justin's journey from being a student in Richmond Community Schools to a potential City Council member, his commitment to improving education, promoting diversity, and his ambitious plans for better public transportation and affordable housing.
Are you curious about the ways local government planning can shape the future of a city? This is the episode for you. Not only do we discuss Justin's strategies for nurturing talent, we also explore his plans to enhance the City's infrastructure. We dive into his stance on vital issues like improving education, promoting diversity, and ensuring affordable housing and efficient public transport. So whether you're a long-time Richmond resident, a concerned citizen, or just interested in how local government works, join us on this rewarding journey into the inner workings of our city.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:06):
Welcome to After the Mouth of Bay, the podcast for
our future leaders.
Today we have a very specialguest in the studio.
Mr Justin Burkhart is theRepublican candidate for
Richmond City Council at large.
But before we get to MrBurkhart, I'm going to introduce
(00:27):
these students and let themintroduce themselves so they can
tell you who they are, firstand last name, what grade
they're in, what they'reinvolved in, and I'm going to
ask them to kind of plugthemselves and talk up and just
briefly tell us what they'relooking to do next year as
seniors.
Speaker 2 (00:43):
My name is Kevin Hanley Jr.
I'm a 12th grader at RichmondHigh School.
I'm on the football andwrestling team.
Next year I'm undecided incollege, but I want to start
studying marine biology.
What about your grades?
I have a 4.3 GPA right nowstraight A's.
Speaker 1 (01:02):
Alright, next up.
Speaker 3 (01:05):
Hi, I'm Hannah Cravens.
I'm in 12th grade.
I'm involved with a variousnumber of activities, but in
school I'm pretty heavilyinvolved in orchestra.
I am a concert master atRichmond High School Orchestra.
This is my second year asorchestra president and I just
(01:28):
recently started working withErlen's Orchestra for their
December concert.
I also am a member of theIndiana Department of Health's
Indiana Youth Advisory Board andI'm the vice president of the
Mental Health Subcommittee onthat advisory board.
So, yeah, I do a various numberof things.
Speaker 1 (01:50):
I don't want to keep talking for too long, but for my
plans next year, I am hoping togo to college and I'm hoping to
pursue something, most likely apre-law program, working to
maybe become an attorney andyeah, so the first time I've
(02:18):
seen Hannah, kevin and Hannahwere both in the 8th grade and
they were performing at DennisMiddle School at a talent show
and I believe between the two ofthem they got first and second
place, and so they've known eachother for a long time.
But we're here because we wantto learn about Mr Burkhardt and
(02:39):
let him tell us about hiscandidacy, let him talk to us a
little bit about what he's doing.
So we're going to turn it overto you, mr Burkhardt, and then,
once you finish yourintroduction, these students
will start asking you questions.
Speaker 4 (02:54):
Well, thank you for having me here on this podcast
and I think that it's incredibleto hear what the youth here in
Richmond is involved in and whatthey're doing.
It's very inspiring and itreally the conversation about.
You know, we've heard over timethe brain drain and the reason
(03:16):
why our kids grow up here andare educated and then they go
away and they never come back.
So I think it's excellent thatyou guys are so involved and
really sharpening your swords asyoung adults.
So let me ask you a questionwhat are your plans?
(03:38):
What are your future plans?
I mean marine biology it'd be alittle hard to do that at Clear
Creek or something, but youknow, as far as we do have law
offices here is Richmond, wayneCounty, even Indiana, and
potentially in either one ofyour future plans.
Speaker 2 (04:03):
Maybe I don't mean.
It's kind of really hard withwhat you said for marine biology
, even in college, becausethere's not very many oceans in
Indiana.
Yeah, just you.
So I'm hoping to stay in statefor a while, though, so I'm
going around Richmond, yeah,yeah.
Speaker 3 (04:22):
Did you ask about law for me?
Ian coming back here yeah, yeah,in the Wayne County area.
So pre-law and just mentioningthat sort of thing as like a
possible program and possiblebecoming an attorney, that's
just like one of the things I'msort of thinking of.
But there's a number ofpossibilities in terms of
possible careers or possiblepathways I would be interested
(04:44):
in, you know, when I get intocollege, because you know, like
I have, there's so manydifferent types of law, there's
so many types of differentthings related to law I could
get involved to.
But something I'm definitelyinterested in that I feel like I
definitely would like to bringback to the community after
college is some skills in publicpolicy.
(05:06):
For sure, that's definitelysomething I would be interested
in bringing back.
So and our local governmentdoes like do a lot around here,
and so I think that you knowthere's a lot that like a lot to
be improved or that could beimproved.
There's a lot of disparitiesand you know there's things that
(05:27):
could be accounted for.
Speaker 4 (05:29):
Yeah, no, I think that's excellent.
But another reason why I ask isthat I too, am a product of
Richmond Community Schools Kthrough 12, and when I was
sitting in your seat I think Iwas like, no, I'm never coming
(05:51):
back, you know, and jobs, and Icouldn't run a professional
sports team from Richmond, whichis not something that I ended
up doing.
But, you know, I it's importantyou're here, it's important
that you're involved in this.
This is a great thing.
So, as Kevin said, senior I'mJustin Burkhart and it's a
(06:21):
surprise to many that I'msitting here in this perspective
City Council at large seat,because I'm not overly political
.
I think the politics on anational level have really hurt
the pursuit of getting involved,you know, on a local level.
(06:43):
But I didn't want that to standin my way because I feel like
being from Richmond.
This is a special place.
This is a place where we haveRichmond folks.
We have folks from Gary,indiana, that come here and
never leave, like Kevin, andwe're a collection of good
(07:09):
hearted, talented Midwesternpeople that are looking to make
an impact and change lives, andI think that you know we need to
embrace the things that we havehere, utilize our talents and
make this place a force to bereckoned with.
So that was really one of mymotivations to being here today.
(07:34):
So Richmond High School in 2003,.
And then I went to MiamiUniversity and graduated in 2007
.
And then started my career.
My wife, abby Rodefeld Burkhart, is also from Richmond, also
went to Miami and we started ourlife in Cincinnati working at
(07:58):
Children's Hospital there andreally love Cincinnati.
But something just kept callingus back here to Richmond Family
, friends and really the.
This is a deep-rooted communityof good people and I wanted to
get involved here.
So we came back and I ended upgetting my master's degree from
(08:21):
Indiana University East, whichwas a management, in 2021, 2020.
And I've just kind of I've justkind of followed where life has
taken me and now currently mywife and I purchased Warm Glow
Cano Company in Centerville,which is really exciting, scary
(08:46):
all at once, but it's anopportunity that we can better
lives and change lives, not onlyin Centerville, richmond, wayne
County, but also the travelersthat get off the exit, that we
can be the gateway here to showyou how special our city is and
our county is.
So we're raising three kidshere and they're in three
(09:08):
different school systems FriendSchool, the Hibbard Logos
Program and then Seton.
It's wonderful that our cityhas all those options because
we're not cookie cutter people,we don't have a cookie cutter
city, so it's great that we haveoptions and we're just trying
(09:30):
to, we're just trying to doright, we're just trying to live
right, trying to do right bypeople and just trying to build
all others up.
So I'm really happy to be here.
I'm really that's a long-windedway of saying thanks for having
me and I look forward to seeingyou guys grow too.
Speaker 2 (09:50):
Thank you.
Well, my first question for youis why is it so difficult to
get a job here?
Are you running, and what doesit mean to you to be running for
office now?
Speaker 4 (09:58):
Yeah, so, so it's a I'm running because I'm running
for the future of Richmond.
I purposely left off any kindof party logo on my sign because
I'm running for Richmond, I'mrunning for the future, I'm
(10:20):
running for the kids at RichmondHigh School.
The kids are seating, the kidsare.
You know, I want better, andthat's why I'm running, and and
that's important to me, becausenot only are my family members
here, but we've also invested asbusiness owners, and so it's
(10:42):
crucial that Richmond is safeand successful and we continue
growing talent here, and andthat's why I knew I needed to
get involved.
Now, this isn't a stepping stoneto be in the mayor.
(11:02):
I have no interest in everdoing that.
That's a thankless job, but Iwanted to have a seat at the
table and be able to contributeback to the city.
That raised me and that's why.
That's why it's important to meto represent my roots here, to
(11:23):
and and to also, if elected, toalso be that person for seniors
at Richmond High School, to showyou that not everything is not
everything in politics is, youknow, hat-worthy or or, you know
, is fire and brimstone, thingslike that that local politics
(11:46):
are about people wanting betterfor where they live, and so I
want to be able to workalongside of you all and work
site alongside of all the peoplein the city, that we can live
in a transparent area and we canall roll up our sleeves and
give back and and help oneanother out.
(12:08):
That's why I'm running, that'swhy I decided to do this crazy
thing, and we'll see where ittakes us on Tuesday.
Speaker 3 (12:18):
Yeah no, that's great .
I'm really glad you're sort ofgoing with this nonpartisan
almost message with yourcampaign.
What you say like for like,just in terms of your campaign,
are you trying to remain likenonpartisan throughout most of
(12:42):
it?
I know you're being representedby the Republican as a the
Republican candidate, but whatI'm hearing is that you're
mainly focused on more of thecommunity aspects.
So would you agree with that?
Speaker 4 (12:58):
I think that's that's a good, a good way to put that.
Yeah, I believe that you know,we all from the scale of left to
right or right to left, andthen there's the middle.
I really believe that I findmyself in the middle and maybe
just a step over to the right,but you know, I was, early in my
(13:25):
career, a fundraiser fordifferent nonprofit
organizations we're in the youthand family treatment center,
being one of them and I've seenfirsthand that there are
families out there, there arekids out there that you know, a
product of their environmentthat they were brought into, and
so it's important that thosethat have tools and resources
(13:49):
that we can build up and givethem opportunities that they can
break the cycle.
And so, yeah, I think you hitthe nail on the head that my
message isn't party along partylines.
My message is really proRichmond and, and I'd say that
(14:10):
I've really enjoyed working withthe people that I have the
other candidates that you'llmeet very soon, but as for me
and my family, the, the partythat I represent and fighting
for is Richmond Community.
Speaker 2 (14:26):
Great.
Okay, you mentioned Richmondstudents and like how you were
once, like how you were once astudent at Richmond high school.
So my question is could yououtline your strategy for
improving the education inRichmond and For providing equal
opportunities for all studentsin the city?
Speaker 4 (14:44):
Yeah, so so I think it's first and foremost, I'd say
that the the city councilPositions.
You know, there's really only afew things that city council is
quote-unquote in charge of moreor enlisted to do.
But outside of that, what Iwould say is is that I think
(15:09):
that any leaders, whether it'sin private industry and In
nonprofit and public, includinglocal government, I think it's
important, it's imperative, thatthose leaders Open themselves
up to help the, the nextgenerations, and that's that's K
(15:35):
through 12, and that's alsowe're very blessed here to have
Erlum Ivy Tech, iue, spurdo.
We've got great higher educationsystems as well.
I think that I've been veryblessed to be surrounded by
great mentors, great people thatthat have had my back for a
(15:55):
very long time, and and if we'regonna continue growing this
city, we got to keep, you know,watering the seeds and, and so I
think it's important for notonly city council members and
also Richmond administrators toreally partner when it's
possible and to keep all thatcommunication open and doors
(16:20):
open that you know you all cancan be abreast of the things
that is are happening on thegovernmental level here in
Richmond and that the Richmondgovernment Administration is
plugged into what's happening inthe education system as well,
because growth happens all thetime, and so I think, if elected
(16:44):
, I would be very, very open toBringing in that arm of local
government to assist Growing thenext generation's leaders.
Speaker 3 (16:59):
I have something to ask you in terms of that.
So I just spoke at a it's calledan in-sove conference, and so
it was a conference focused onpublic health and figuring out,
kind of talking to each otherand presenting as to how we can
Really collaborate when it comesto Building with policy or
(17:24):
something like that.
And so in terms of like,improving education for students
in Richmond and as a Student, Ihave, like I've always been a
student of Richmond my wholelife, so I've never moved, I've
always been a Richmond residentand something that I feel which
I'm going to express this to youand also under other candidates
(17:45):
, the other candidates when Isee them, but I'm I feel like
something I would really like tosee as a Richmond student is
more collaboration in terms ofhow the administration at RCS
and the Richmond City Councilsort of work in creating the
(18:06):
sort of policies that they'remaking, because I don't see very
often or I don't hear veryoften that you really hear.
You don't really get a studentvoice or a student say in that,
and you know I'm wondering as towhat you think about that.
Speaker 4 (18:22):
Yeah, I think there are several committees that that
are a part of local government,and I think that it's the seats
are not all filled with Electedofficials, and so you know, one
being the Street TreeCommission, one being, you know,
(18:44):
focusing on the RichmondAirport.
I think, I think that you knowyou're the future of the city
and I think that this is it'slike in golf you never really
own the golf balls, you justrent them.
And I think that we neverreally own this city, we're just
(19:07):
.
Our job is to leave it betterthan we found it.
And so I think that having themore experienced individuals
that have been here for a verylong time, that they can speak
to the things that have happenedin the past, is equally
important to those that we arepreparing the right away for in
(19:33):
the future.
So I think that, as time allowsand as the Richmond Community
Schools Administration sees fitwith the curriculum, I think
it's crucial and I love how someof our local organizations not
necessarily the school system,but that there are these
(19:54):
opportunities inside of, likeboys and girls clubs of Wayne
County, where they're able to goover to the state house and
kind of see how some of thesethings work, and so to be able
to provide that same experienceon the local level.
I know that oftentimes weeither talk about or we neglect
(20:14):
it.
Talk about climate change, andso I'm only here for probably a
shorter time than you are, andso it's important that we are
setting policies and beingresponsible for those that come
after us too, and so I thinkit's important that all that
(20:39):
want to be a part of it have theopportunity.
That's great.
Speaker 1 (20:44):
So, justin, we are approaching our time and I wanna
be respectful of your time, soI'm gonna let each young adult
ask you one more question andthen I'm gonna let you kind of
give your final you know overallperspective on why you're
running and what you're gonna dofor the city.
So, kevin, you're up.
Speaker 2 (21:09):
So earlier I asked you about the schools and now
I'm gonna switch it up and askyou can you explain your stance
on promoting diversity,inclusion and equality within
our community?
Speaker 4 (21:18):
Yeah, Well, I think that's important and I think
that you know, certainly on thenational level, over the last
few years we've seen somehorrifying clips, videos of
things that are happening inother communities, and I think
that we always can maybe hopethat those kind of things would
(21:40):
never transpire here.
But in order for that to be true, we need to work on that daily.
You know, I was blessed to comeup in Richmond playing sports
and with that blessing and withRichmond we I played alongside
(22:03):
of and was raised alongside ofevery background and nationality
and race, and so I felt veryblessed that when I went off to
school, that I had thatopportunity to learn from others
(22:24):
that weren't like me.
I think that it has to be acommitment from not only the
city administration, that's acommitment that we don't just
talk about, but we actually makesure that there are policies in
place that you know we areinclusive and not excluding
(22:47):
anybody.
So I think that it's somethingthat's always been very
important to me, it's somethingthat's important in hiring
practices, in business, and it'ssomething that you know I take
that very seriously and I thinkthat that diversity is what
makes Richmond special and Inever want to lose that.
So, and being on Seaton SchoolBoard a few years back, I know
(23:13):
that Seaton is an incredibleschool, incredible learning
environment.
But you know, we talked a lotabout diversity because the
students here can learn so muchwith a diverse classroom and I
think that's very important andI think that no matter where you
are in school, business, at alocal event, we're all one and
(23:39):
we need to not only say that,but we need to practice that too
.
Speaker 3 (23:45):
I guess I'll ask my question and I'm going to go
ahead and merge a couple ofthings.
But how do you plan to improvepublic transportation for those
that maybe, like, can't afford acar or that sort of thing?
And also, in terms oftransportation, how do you plan
(24:08):
to address affordable housing inthe city of Richmond?
Speaker 4 (24:13):
Yeah, that's a loaded two-part question.
Speaker 3 (24:17):
You can go ahead and answer the first part Then.
How do you plan on improvingpublic transportation?
Speaker 4 (24:23):
Well.
So, starting withtransportation, transportation
is expensive and no matter ifyou're in private business, if
you're a nonprofit, in order togive services or have services
for others, they have to be ableto get there, first and
(24:43):
foremost so to be able toservice buses, tires, oil
changes again with Seaton, weexperienced this with our
athletics and field trips thatcomes at a significant cost.
However, I will say that it'sincredibly important because the
(25:05):
access to healthcare, theaccess to our library system, to
be able to have access tointernet I think sometimes,
simple-minded, you think, well,you don't really need a car, you
can walk, but then that's whenthings start to not be addressed
(25:29):
.
You know being able to get to ajob, get to school.
So I think that that's a very,very complex issue and it's
something that, if elected forcity council, also with the work
of the city administration, youhave to plan for those things,
(25:52):
and those things are never funto plan for, but I think that
you got to set that money asidebecause it's necessary.
The housing question is equallycomplex but, like transportation
, is equally important becauseone component to that is this
(26:18):
component of safety as well, andin my background, with
different nonprofits and such,not everybody has a warm bed to
sleep in, not everybody hasthree meals a day and a cell
phone and things like that.
So when you look at it from theperspective of someone else,
(26:38):
that's that has a hard time.
We have to work together tolook at the resources that are
available and we need to be ableto put those resources together
and work in collaboration withthe landlords.
I had read a post recently, ornot so recently, almost
(27:05):
accusatory towards landlords.
Some landlords are reallyreally good landlords and some
of the quote unquote slumlordsare significantly in the
minority.
But what we need to do fromthat perspective is we need
accountability and we need tohold those that are breaking the
(27:27):
rules accountable.
But we need to put our headstogether as city administration,
city council and we need tofind good, affordable housing
for our residents here, becausehomelessness is a problem,
(27:50):
safety is a problem and if wecan and if we can get our people
in a safe housing situation andhave safe, reliable
transportation, things are goingto go a whole lot better for
our city in the future.
Speaker 1 (28:05):
All right.
Thank you, justin.
As we are approaching the endof our podcast, please leave us
with anything you want to leaveus with.
I know that one of the thingsthat you have mentioned is that
you want transparent and servantleadership and you want to be
(28:26):
that voice.
The other thing that I read isthat you want to give all
citizens throughout ourdiversity of voice when it comes
to our community, and we reallyappreciate you sharing these
thoughts with us.
Can you please give the folksout there your last pitch before
the election?
Speaker 4 (28:47):
Well, first make sure you subscribe to the podcast.
Yes, Slam that subscribe button.
Out of the mouth of babes Out ofthe mouth of babes Right now.
Okay, voting is important.
Voting has consequences and youneed to be educated on those
(29:09):
that are running on the ballot.
You need to feel good and youneed to get out and you need to
vote.
That's the most important thing.
I'm running for city councilbecause I believe in Richmond.
Richmond gave me endlessopportunities and this is my
(29:30):
opportunity to take care ofthose that have given me so much
.
This is my opportunity to takecare of those that have so
little.
This is my opportunity to givethe next generation a Richmond
that people want to be in andlive in.
(29:51):
And that's not going to happenovernight, but we need to
embrace the resources and thegood people and the good things
we have here.
And then we just got to get towork on some of the things that
we want to change, but, firstand foremost, we've got the
people here to do it and we haveincredible people.
(30:11):
So I asked for your vote and Ican't wait to get to work for
you if elected.
Speaker 1 (30:20):
Thank you, justin, and again, the podcast Out of
the Mouth of Babes.
Also want to kind of mentionthat Justin just mentioned that
he bought Worm Glow, so pleasego out there and purchase some
candles and some oils and all ofthe above, so I want to make
(30:42):
sure we get that out.
Also, check out the ImpactYouth Center, which is one of
the newest community-basedorganizations for teens in
Richmond, where we house ClubImpact Wrestling.
We also house Wayne CountyWriters to Poetry Group Chess
Club.
We also have basketballtraining and we'd love for you
(31:04):
all to come check it out.
717 South Fifth Street.
This is Out of the Mouth ofBabes, a podcast for our youth.
Thank you.
Welcome to After the Mouth of Bay, the podcast for
our future leaders.
Today we have a very specialguest in the studio.
Mr Justin Burkhart is theRepublican candidate for
Richmond City Council at large.
But before we get to MrBurkhart, I'm going to introduce
(00:27):
these students and let themintroduce themselves so they can
tell you who they are, firstand last name, what grade
they're in, what they'reinvolved in, and I'm going to
ask them to kind of plugthemselves and talk up and just
briefly tell us what they'relooking to do next year as
seniors.
Speaker 2 (00:43):
My name is Kevin Hanley Jr.
I'm a 12th grader at RichmondHigh School.
I'm on the football andwrestling team.
Next year I'm undecided incollege, but I want to start
studying marine biology.
What about your grades?
I have a 4.3 GPA right nowstraight A's.
Speaker 1 (01:02):
Alright, next up.
Speaker 3 (01:05):
Hi, I'm Hannah Cravens.
I'm in 12th grade.
I'm involved with a variousnumber of activities, but in
school I'm pretty heavilyinvolved in orchestra.
I am a concert master atRichmond High School Orchestra.
This is my second year asorchestra president and I just
(01:28):
recently started working withErlen's Orchestra for their
December concert.
I also am a member of theIndiana Department of Health's
Indiana Youth Advisory Board andI'm the vice president of the
Mental Health Subcommittee onthat advisory board.
So, yeah, I do a various numberof things.
Speaker 1 (01:50):
I don't want to keep talking for too long, but for my
plans next year, I am hoping togo to college and I'm hoping to
pursue something, most likely apre-law program, working to
maybe become an attorney andyeah, so the first time I've
(02:18):
seen Hannah, kevin and Hannahwere both in the 8th grade and
they were performing at DennisMiddle School at a talent show
and I believe between the two ofthem they got first and second
place, and so they've known eachother for a long time.
But we're here because we wantto learn about Mr Burkhardt and
(02:39):
let him tell us about hiscandidacy, let him talk to us a
little bit about what he's doing.
So we're going to turn it overto you, mr Burkhardt, and then,
once you finish yourintroduction, these students
will start asking you questions.
Speaker 4 (02:54):
Well, thank you for having me here on this podcast
and I think that it's incredibleto hear what the youth here in
Richmond is involved in and whatthey're doing.
It's very inspiring and itreally the conversation about.
You know, we've heard over timethe brain drain and the reason
(03:16):
why our kids grow up here andare educated and then they go
away and they never come back.
So I think it's excellent thatyou guys are so involved and
really sharpening your swords asyoung adults.
So let me ask you a questionwhat are your plans?
(03:38):
What are your future plans?
I mean marine biology it'd be alittle hard to do that at Clear
Creek or something, but youknow, as far as we do have law
offices here is Richmond, wayneCounty, even Indiana, and
potentially in either one ofyour future plans.
Speaker 2 (04:03):
Maybe I don't mean.
It's kind of really hard withwhat you said for marine biology
, even in college, becausethere's not very many oceans in
Indiana.
Yeah, just you.
So I'm hoping to stay in statefor a while, though, so I'm
going around Richmond, yeah,yeah.
Speaker 3 (04:22):
Did you ask about law for me?
Ian coming back here yeah, yeah,in the Wayne County area.
So pre-law and just mentioningthat sort of thing as like a
possible program and possiblebecoming an attorney, that's
just like one of the things I'msort of thinking of.
But there's a number ofpossibilities in terms of
possible careers or possiblepathways I would be interested
(04:44):
in, you know, when I get intocollege, because you know, like
I have, there's so manydifferent types of law, there's
so many types of differentthings related to law I could
get involved to.
But something I'm definitelyinterested in that I feel like I
definitely would like to bringback to the community after
college is some skills in publicpolicy.
(05:06):
For sure, that's definitelysomething I would be interested
in bringing back.
So and our local governmentdoes like do a lot around here,
and so I think that you knowthere's a lot that like a lot to
be improved or that could beimproved.
There's a lot of disparitiesand you know there's things that
(05:27):
could be accounted for.
Speaker 4 (05:29):
Yeah, no, I think that's excellent.
But another reason why I ask isthat I too, am a product of
Richmond Community Schools Kthrough 12, and when I was
sitting in your seat I think Iwas like, no, I'm never coming
(05:51):
back, you know, and jobs, and Icouldn't run a professional
sports team from Richmond, whichis not something that I ended
up doing.
But, you know, I it's importantyou're here, it's important
that you're involved in this.
This is a great thing.
So, as Kevin said, senior I'mJustin Burkhart and it's a
(06:21):
surprise to many that I'msitting here in this perspective
City Council at large seat,because I'm not overly political
.
I think the politics on anational level have really hurt
the pursuit of getting involved,you know, on a local level.
(06:43):
But I didn't want that to standin my way because I feel like
being from Richmond.
This is a special place.
This is a place where we haveRichmond folks.
We have folks from Gary,indiana, that come here and
never leave, like Kevin, andwe're a collection of good
(07:09):
hearted, talented Midwesternpeople that are looking to make
an impact and change lives, andI think that you know we need to
embrace the things that we havehere, utilize our talents and
make this place a force to bereckoned with.
So that was really one of mymotivations to being here today.
(07:34):
So Richmond High School in 2003,.
And then I went to MiamiUniversity and graduated in 2007
.
And then started my career.
My wife, abby Rodefeld Burkhart, is also from Richmond, also
went to Miami and we started ourlife in Cincinnati working at
(07:58):
Children's Hospital there andreally love Cincinnati.
But something just kept callingus back here to Richmond Family
, friends and really the.
This is a deep-rooted communityof good people and I wanted to
get involved here.
So we came back and I ended upgetting my master's degree from
(08:21):
Indiana University East, whichwas a management, in 2021, 2020.
And I've just kind of I've justkind of followed where life has
taken me and now currently mywife and I purchased Warm Glow
Cano Company in Centerville,which is really exciting, scary
(08:46):
all at once, but it's anopportunity that we can better
lives and change lives, not onlyin Centerville, richmond, wayne
County, but also the travelersthat get off the exit, that we
can be the gateway here to showyou how special our city is and
our county is.
So we're raising three kidshere and they're in three
(09:08):
different school systems FriendSchool, the Hibbard Logos
Program and then Seton.
It's wonderful that our cityhas all those options because
we're not cookie cutter people,we don't have a cookie cutter
city, so it's great that we haveoptions and we're just trying
(09:30):
to, we're just trying to doright, we're just trying to live
right, trying to do right bypeople and just trying to build
all others up.
So I'm really happy to be here.
I'm really that's a long-windedway of saying thanks for having
me and I look forward to seeingyou guys grow too.
Speaker 2 (09:50):
Thank you.
Well, my first question for youis why is it so difficult to
get a job here?
Are you running, and what doesit mean to you to be running for
office now?
Speaker 4 (09:58):
Yeah, so, so it's a I'm running because I'm running
for the future of Richmond.
I purposely left off any kindof party logo on my sign because
I'm running for Richmond, I'mrunning for the future, I'm
(10:20):
running for the kids at RichmondHigh School.
The kids are seating, the kidsare.
You know, I want better, andthat's why I'm running, and and
that's important to me, becausenot only are my family members
here, but we've also invested asbusiness owners, and so it's
(10:42):
crucial that Richmond is safeand successful and we continue
growing talent here, and andthat's why I knew I needed to
get involved.
Now, this isn't a stepping stoneto be in the mayor.
(11:02):
I have no interest in everdoing that.
That's a thankless job, but Iwanted to have a seat at the
table and be able to contributeback to the city.
That raised me and that's why.
That's why it's important to meto represent my roots here, to
(11:23):
and and to also, if elected, toalso be that person for seniors
at Richmond High School, to showyou that not everything is not
everything in politics is, youknow, hat-worthy or or, you know
, is fire and brimstone, thingslike that that local politics
(11:46):
are about people wanting betterfor where they live, and so I
want to be able to workalongside of you all and work
site alongside of all the peoplein the city, that we can live
in a transparent area and we canall roll up our sleeves and
give back and and help oneanother out.
(12:08):
That's why I'm running, that'swhy I decided to do this crazy
thing, and we'll see where ittakes us on Tuesday.
Speaker 3 (12:18):
Yeah no, that's great .
I'm really glad you're sort ofgoing with this nonpartisan
almost message with yourcampaign.
What you say like for like,just in terms of your campaign,
are you trying to remain likenonpartisan throughout most of
(12:42):
it?
I know you're being representedby the Republican as a the
Republican candidate, but whatI'm hearing is that you're
mainly focused on more of thecommunity aspects.
So would you agree with that?
Speaker 4 (12:58):
I think that's that's a good, a good way to put that.
Yeah, I believe that you know,we all from the scale of left to
right or right to left, andthen there's the middle.
I really believe that I findmyself in the middle and maybe
just a step over to the right,but you know, I was, early in my
(13:25):
career, a fundraiser fordifferent nonprofit
organizations we're in the youthand family treatment center,
being one of them and I've seenfirsthand that there are
families out there, there arekids out there that you know, a
product of their environmentthat they were brought into, and
so it's important that thosethat have tools and resources
(13:49):
that we can build up and givethem opportunities that they can
break the cycle.
And so, yeah, I think you hitthe nail on the head that my
message isn't party along partylines.
My message is really proRichmond and, and I'd say that
(14:10):
I've really enjoyed working withthe people that I have the
other candidates that you'llmeet very soon, but as for me
and my family, the, the partythat I represent and fighting
for is Richmond Community.
Speaker 2 (14:26):
Great.
Okay, you mentioned Richmondstudents and like how you were
once, like how you were once astudent at Richmond high school.
So my question is could yououtline your strategy for
improving the education inRichmond and For providing equal
opportunities for all studentsin the city?
Speaker 4 (14:44):
Yeah, so so I think it's first and foremost, I'd say
that the the city councilPositions.
You know, there's really only afew things that city council is
quote-unquote in charge of moreor enlisted to do.
But outside of that, what Iwould say is is that I think
(15:09):
that any leaders, whether it'sin private industry and In
nonprofit and public, includinglocal government, I think it's
important, it's imperative, thatthose leaders Open themselves
up to help the, the nextgenerations, and that's that's K
(15:35):
through 12, and that's alsowe're very blessed here to have
Erlum Ivy Tech, iue, spurdo.
We've got great higher educationsystems as well.
I think that I've been veryblessed to be surrounded by
great mentors, great people thatthat have had my back for a
(15:55):
very long time, and and if we'regonna continue growing this
city, we got to keep, you know,watering the seeds and, and so I
think it's important for notonly city council members and
also Richmond administrators toreally partner when it's
possible and to keep all thatcommunication open and doors
(16:20):
open that you know you all cancan be abreast of the things
that is are happening on thegovernmental level here in
Richmond and that the Richmondgovernment Administration is
plugged into what's happening inthe education system as well,
because growth happens all thetime, and so I think, if elected
(16:44):
, I would be very, very open toBringing in that arm of local
government to assist Growing thenext generation's leaders.
Speaker 3 (16:59):
I have something to ask you in terms of that.
So I just spoke at a it's calledan in-sove conference, and so
it was a conference focused onpublic health and figuring out,
kind of talking to each otherand presenting as to how we can
Really collaborate when it comesto Building with policy or
(17:24):
something like that.
And so in terms of like,improving education for students
in Richmond and as a Student, Ihave, like I've always been a
student of Richmond my wholelife, so I've never moved, I've
always been a Richmond residentand something that I feel which
I'm going to express this to youand also under other candidates
(17:45):
, the other candidates when Isee them, but I'm I feel like
something I would really like tosee as a Richmond student is
more collaboration in terms ofhow the administration at RCS
and the Richmond City Councilsort of work in creating the
(18:06):
sort of policies that they'remaking, because I don't see very
often or I don't hear veryoften that you really hear.
You don't really get a studentvoice or a student say in that,
and you know I'm wondering as towhat you think about that.
Speaker 4 (18:22):
Yeah, I think there are several committees that that
are a part of local government,and I think that it's the seats
are not all filled with Electedofficials, and so you know, one
being the Street TreeCommission, one being, you know,
(18:44):
focusing on the RichmondAirport.
I think, I think that you knowyou're the future of the city
and I think that this is it'slike in golf you never really
own the golf balls, you justrent them.
And I think that we neverreally own this city, we're just
(19:07):
.
Our job is to leave it betterthan we found it.
And so I think that having themore experienced individuals
that have been here for a verylong time, that they can speak
to the things that have happenedin the past, is equally
important to those that we arepreparing the right away for in
(19:33):
the future.
So I think that, as time allowsand as the Richmond Community
Schools Administration sees fitwith the curriculum, I think
it's crucial and I love how someof our local organizations not
necessarily the school system,but that there are these
(19:54):
opportunities inside of, likeboys and girls clubs of Wayne
County, where they're able to goover to the state house and
kind of see how some of thesethings work, and so to be able
to provide that same experienceon the local level.
I know that oftentimes weeither talk about or we neglect
(20:14):
it.
Talk about climate change, andso I'm only here for probably a
shorter time than you are, andso it's important that we are
setting policies and beingresponsible for those that come
after us too, and so I thinkit's important that all that
(20:39):
want to be a part of it have theopportunity.
That's great.
Speaker 1 (20:44):
So, justin, we are approaching our time and I wanna
be respectful of your time, soI'm gonna let each young adult
ask you one more question andthen I'm gonna let you kind of
give your final you know overallperspective on why you're
running and what you're gonna dofor the city.
So, kevin, you're up.
Speaker 2 (21:09):
So earlier I asked you about the schools and now
I'm gonna switch it up and askyou can you explain your stance
on promoting diversity,inclusion and equality within
our community?
Speaker 4 (21:18):
Yeah, Well, I think that's important and I think
that you know, certainly on thenational level, over the last
few years we've seen somehorrifying clips, videos of
things that are happening inother communities, and I think
that we always can maybe hopethat those kind of things would
(21:40):
never transpire here.
But in order for that to be true, we need to work on that daily.
You know, I was blessed to comeup in Richmond playing sports
and with that blessing and withRichmond we I played alongside
(22:03):
of and was raised alongside ofevery background and nationality
and race, and so I felt veryblessed that when I went off to
school, that I had thatopportunity to learn from others
(22:24):
that weren't like me.
I think that it has to be acommitment from not only the
city administration, that's acommitment that we don't just
talk about, but we actually makesure that there are policies in
place that you know we areinclusive and not excluding
(22:47):
anybody.
So I think that it's somethingthat's always been very
important to me, it's somethingthat's important in hiring
practices, in business, and it'ssomething that you know I take
that very seriously and I thinkthat that diversity is what
makes Richmond special and Inever want to lose that.
So, and being on Seaton SchoolBoard a few years back, I know
(23:13):
that Seaton is an incredibleschool, incredible learning
environment.
But you know, we talked a lotabout diversity because the
students here can learn so muchwith a diverse classroom and I
think that's very important andI think that no matter where you
are in school, business, at alocal event, we're all one and
(23:39):
we need to not only say that,but we need to practice that too
.
Speaker 3 (23:45):
I guess I'll ask my question and I'm going to go
ahead and merge a couple ofthings.
But how do you plan to improvepublic transportation for those
that maybe, like, can't afford acar or that sort of thing?
And also, in terms oftransportation, how do you plan
(24:08):
to address affordable housing inthe city of Richmond?
Speaker 4 (24:13):
Yeah, that's a loaded two-part question.
Speaker 3 (24:17):
You can go ahead and answer the first part Then.
How do you plan on improvingpublic transportation?
Speaker 4 (24:23):
Well.
So, starting withtransportation, transportation
is expensive and no matter ifyou're in private business, if
you're a nonprofit, in order togive services or have services
for others, they have to be ableto get there, first and
(24:43):
foremost so to be able toservice buses, tires, oil
changes again with Seaton, weexperienced this with our
athletics and field trips thatcomes at a significant cost.
However, I will say that it'sincredibly important because the
(25:05):
access to healthcare, theaccess to our library system, to
be able to have access tointernet I think sometimes,
simple-minded, you think, well,you don't really need a car, you
can walk, but then that's whenthings start to not be addressed
(25:29):
.
You know being able to get to ajob, get to school.
So I think that that's a very,very complex issue and it's
something that, if elected forcity council, also with the work
of the city administration, youhave to plan for those things,
(25:52):
and those things are never funto plan for, but I think that
you got to set that money asidebecause it's necessary.
The housing question is equallycomplex but, like transportation
, is equally important becauseone component to that is this
(26:18):
component of safety as well, andin my background, with
different nonprofits and such,not everybody has a warm bed to
sleep in, not everybody hasthree meals a day and a cell
phone and things like that.
So when you look at it from theperspective of someone else,
(26:38):
that's that has a hard time.
We have to work together tolook at the resources that are
available and we need to be ableto put those resources together
and work in collaboration withthe landlords.
I had read a post recently, ornot so recently, almost
(27:05):
accusatory towards landlords.
Some landlords are reallyreally good landlords and some
of the quote unquote slumlordsare significantly in the
minority.
But what we need to do fromthat perspective is we need
accountability and we need tohold those that are breaking the
(27:27):
rules accountable.
But we need to put our headstogether as city administration,
city council and we need tofind good, affordable housing
for our residents here, becausehomelessness is a problem,
(27:50):
safety is a problem and if wecan and if we can get our people
in a safe housing situation andhave safe, reliable
transportation, things are goingto go a whole lot better for
our city in the future.
Speaker 1 (28:05):
All right.
Thank you, justin.
As we are approaching the endof our podcast, please leave us
with anything you want to leaveus with.
I know that one of the thingsthat you have mentioned is that
you want transparent and servantleadership and you want to be
(28:26):
that voice.
The other thing that I read isthat you want to give all
citizens throughout ourdiversity of voice when it comes
to our community, and we reallyappreciate you sharing these
thoughts with us.
Can you please give the folksout there your last pitch before
the election?
Speaker 4 (28:47):
Well, first make sure you subscribe to the podcast.
Yes, Slam that subscribe button.
Out of the mouth of babes Out ofthe mouth of babes Right now.
Okay, voting is important.
Voting has consequences and youneed to be educated on those
(29:09):
that are running on the ballot.
You need to feel good and youneed to get out and you need to
vote.
That's the most important thing.
I'm running for city councilbecause I believe in Richmond.
Richmond gave me endlessopportunities and this is my
(29:30):
opportunity to take care ofthose that have given me so much
.
This is my opportunity to takecare of those that have so
little.
This is my opportunity to givethe next generation a Richmond
that people want to be in andlive in.
(29:51):
And that's not going to happenovernight, but we need to
embrace the resources and thegood people and the good things
we have here.
And then we just got to get towork on some of the things that
we want to change, but, firstand foremost, we've got the
people here to do it and we haveincredible people.
(30:11):
So I asked for your vote and Ican't wait to get to work for
you if elected.
Speaker 1 (30:20):
Thank you, justin, and again, the podcast Out of
the Mouth of Babes.
Also want to kind of mentionthat Justin just mentioned that
he bought Worm Glow, so pleasego out there and purchase some
candles and some oils and all ofthe above, so I want to make
(30:42):
sure we get that out.
Also, check out the ImpactYouth Center, which is one of
the newest community-basedorganizations for teens in
Richmond, where we house ClubImpact Wrestling.
We also house Wayne CountyWriters to Poetry Group Chess
Club.
We also have basketballtraining and we'd love for you
(31:04):
all to come check it out.
717 South Fifth Street.
This is Out of the Mouth ofBabes, a podcast for our youth.
Thank you.
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