COLUMBUS, Ind. – Josh Burnett (R), who currently works as Communications Coordinator for Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation (BCSC), has declared his candidacy for an at-large seat on the Columbus City Council in next year’s city elections. Burnett is also a Columbus Parks and Recreation Board Member and Vice-Chair of the Bartholomew County Republican Party.
“People want to know what’s going on before it happens and I will make sure they are included and informed about the decisions that affect their everyday lives,” Burnett said.
He mentioned the city’s increased homeless population, the prevalence of vacant buildings and dilapidated commercial sites, and the ongoing opioid crisis as key challenges. He also said he is interested in proposing quality-of-life improvements such as a community splash pad, which he deems would be equivalent to the indoor Commons Playground.
Burnett is a graduate of Columbus East High School and Cincinnati Christian University. His wife, Katie, is a first-grade teacher at Southside Elementary, and they have three children.
The council voted to change the city’s designation from a third-class city to a second-class city in July, which adds one new district member and one at-large member, increasing the council from seven to nine people, effective January 2024.
