Kyle Gardner for Rush County Council At-Large

Kyle Gardner for Rush County Council At-Large Rush County Council Member

11/06/2024

To the Citizens of Rush County,

I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to each of you for allowing me to serve a second term as a member of the Rush County Council. It has been an honor to represent you, and I am deeply grateful for the trust you’ve placed in me once again. Congratulations as well to fellow council members, Denny Corn and Charlie Smith, on their successful re-elections. I look forward to continuing our work together, and I’d like to especially thank Charlie for his leadership as council chairman. His guidance has been instrumental in navigating important decisions for our county.

In addition to my role on the council, my work as Director of Special Projects for the City of Rushville has been invaluable in shaping my understanding of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for both the city and county. I’m passionate about our community, and I feel truly fortunate to be able to contribute to Rushville’s success while tackling projects that help ensure a vibrant future for all of Rush County. Through my city role, I’ve had the chance to collaborate with consultants across various fields, keeping me up-to-date on key areas like redevelopment, stormwater management, street projects, housing, and more—all crucial in keeping Rushville, “Leading the Way in Rural Indiana.” When Rushville succeeds, Rush County also succeeds!

One initiative that I’m particularly passionate about is blight elimination. In Rushville, I’ve learned firsthand how transforming vacant, deteriorating properties into new opportunities for development can spark wider improvements in neighborhoods. The potential impact of these projects is something I envision bringing to our smaller towns across the county. I’ve proposed a blight elimination program, potentially utilizing READI 2.0 funds, that would help make property acquisition and redevelopment possible in Rush County. By revitalizing even a single property in a community, we can see positive ripple effects: an increase in assessed values, enhanced school enrollment, and a sense of renewed pride.

Once again, I am deeply grateful to be given this opportunity to serve. I’m excited for the work ahead, and I’m honored to represent the citizens of Rush County for another four years. Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,
Kyle Gardner

Voting on Election Day is essential for ensuring that Rush County has a voice in the decisions that shape our future. Wh...
11/04/2024

Voting on Election Day is essential for ensuring that Rush County has a voice in the decisions that shape our future. While we may only have a few contested school board races locally, the choices made at the state and federal levels in the Indiana Governor and Presidential races have a major impact on our community. Policies on education, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic development often come from these higher levels of government, directly affecting our schools, local businesses, and quality of life in Rush County. A strong voter turnout allows our community to have a say in these critical decisions, helping us build a future that reflects our values and meets our needs.

05/08/2024

The Primary Election results are in! Charlie, Denny, and I ran unopposed, perhaps suggesting Rush County citizens believe we are doing a sufficient job. While differing opinions arise, we all have the county's best interest in mind.

Last summer's solar project sparked debates and strong emotions but I believe the county council made the financially sound decision. By structuring the deal strategically, we aimed to maximize financial benefits for Rush County. Regardless of personal stances on solar projects or all of the pros/cons, our duty was to secure the best financial outcome (in regards to property taxes) for the county.

In late 2023, Rush County Commissioners started the process of a comprehensive plan which engaged citizens through surveys and public workshops. Over 70% of respondents opposed wind or solar developments. All while emphasizing agricultural growth, single-family housing, and broadband enhancements, this plan is a collaborative effort to shape our county's future.

Rush County is at an exciting time, with motivated elected officials, and ample opportunities to enhance its livability. I sincerely encourage anyone with questions to reach out to me for open conversations.

I love what I do for my home town and am blessed you all allow me to do it!

I am thrilled to declare my candidacy for a second term as Rush County Council At-Large. Over the past three years, I've...
01/22/2024

I am thrilled to declare my candidacy for a second term as Rush County Council At-Large. Over the past three years, I've gained valuable insights into county government operations, learned about fund allocation, and collaborated with fellow members to enhance our financial strategies.

In 2021, we welcomed a financial consultant who played a crucial role in navigating legislation from the state and the impact on local budgets. Although the council faced difference of opinions at times, I believe respectful disagreement is integral to progress. I currently serve as the council's representative on the Rush County Economic and Community Development Corporation, in this position, I've actively contributed to planning in various projects around Rushville and Rush County.

My day job role as Director of Special Projects for the City of Rushville provides a unique perspective, allowing me to seamlessly integrate insights between roles. Through my special projects position, I completed an economic development course at Ball State University. One specific topic that stood out was blight elimination and its impacts on communities. I am currently working with our newly formed regional development authority, Accelerate Rural Indiana, to secure READI 2.0 grant funds for blight elimination. This has the potential for growth in residential housing and community pride in towns like Carthage, Milroy, Glenwood, Mays, Arlington, Manilla, Moscow, and Homer.

While I cannot single-handedly implement a blight elimination program, I am working to put the pieces in place to gain council support and ultimately approval by the commissioners.

From 2021 thru the present (January 2024), representing my favorite county as a councilmember has been one of the most rewarding roles. Making positive change can be very difficult and a long task but I am happy to take on this journey.

10/22/2023

The "Gardner City Council" signs have caused some confusion around town. These signs are in support of my father, Ron Gardner, who is running for City Council At-Large.

I currently hold the positions of Rush County council member and serve as the Director of Special Projects for the City of Rushville. This dual role has given me a firsthand view of how both county and city governments operate. This unique opportunity has allowed me to attend meetings and events with direct impacts on both the city and county, some of which might have been more difficult to attend in the past.

Representing Rush County and Rushville has been an incredibly rewarding experience. When other communities, state-level representatives, engineers, and consultants learn about my unique position, they are impressed by the strong collaboration between the city and county.

I take immense pride in representing both Rush County and the City of Rushville!

It may be Sunday but it’s a great day to work on the courthouse!
03/20/2022

It may be Sunday but it’s a great day to work on the courthouse!

If you have recently driven by the courthouse then you have noticed some scaffolding starting to be erected. This is for...
03/04/2022

If you have recently driven by the courthouse then you have noticed some scaffolding starting to be erected. This is for the new roof, tuck pointing, and the cleaning of the exterior of the building. These repairs are very overdue and will be welcomed by many courthouse employees. Some sidewalks have already been replaced and others will be replaced towards the end of the project. The unsightly tree to the right (that is leaning towards the street) will be removed and replaced with a new one that will be properly maintained. Overgrown shrubs will also be removed with the goal of implementing low maintenance landscaping in their place. It’s exciting to see this project moving forward to help preserve our beautiful courthouse for another 126 years!

12/30/2021

As 2021 is quickly coming to an end, I look back at year number one of being a public servant. I have learned more about county government than I could have imagined before the year started. Fellow county council members and commissioners have been very welcoming as I started my new journey in local government. As my first year as a council member comes to an end I have an even greater respect for all county employees. Commissioners and council members are very important but the county does not operate successfully without the hard work and dedication from all employees from the courthouse, sheriff department, and county highway.

Since being elected as a council member there are many additional obligations that come about with the job. From volunteering for events at the court house to being asked to be a part of several boards, the opportunities to make a positive impact as a public servant are endless.

Here is a list of some of the additional opportunities I had in 2021 while serving as a Rush County council member:

- Solid Waste

- Solar Energy Committee

- Rush County Bicentennial Committee

- Rush County Workforce Development Coalition

- Rush County Rural Opportunity Zone Initiative focus group

- Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI grant) focus group

- Rushville Economic Development Commission

2021 was a busy first year and I look forward to what will come in 2022 as it will be Rush County’s Bicentennial celebration. Thank you to everyone who helps make Rush County an even better place to live!

11/03/2021

Do you know a non-profit organization that incurred a loss of revenue in 2020 due to COVID? If so, please encourage them to visit this website and complete an application to seek an opportunity for possible reimbursement. Even if you are not sure if you qualify it is encouraged to at least apply and the committee can make a decision. Applications need to be submitted to the Rush County Treasurer by November 15, 2021.

Rush County has received approximately $1.6 million from the ARPA funds. These funds have restrictions set by the federal government which only allows the county to spend the money in certain areas. A committee was formed to help set guidelines for the best use of the funds to keep as much funds as possible in Rush County. This non-profit reimbursement is essentially the first program to come from the ARPA funds.

If you have any questions feel free to reach out to myself or any of the committee members.

Ron Jarman
Amy Grocox
Carl Harcourt
Tammy Justice
Jodi Harr

10/13/2021

I want to give recognition and appreciation to Chuck Kemker (EMA Director) for his work towards finding and obtaining grant funding. In 2021, Chuck has approached the county council numerous times seeking approval to apply for grants for his department. Most of these grants are 100% funding with no additional funding from Rush County. When a grant does need a county match, Chuck does an excellent job presenting the council with costs and benefits for a possible purchase. In my opinion, Chuck is one of the best for seeking additional funding for his department which in turn benefits Rush County residents by keeping them safe.

Thank you Chuck!

09/29/2021

At today’s budget meeting, I made two suggestions— do not give ourselves (the council) a 5% raise and do not offer health insurance to future council members. These were not popular suggestions. While I understand there has to be some incentive to dedicate your time to meetings and answering questions from citizens, approximately $500/month is plenty. Working less than 32 hours a week and getting offered health insurance seems like an unnecessary cost to taxpayers.

I chose to run for office and was fortunate enough to be elected. I knew there was a small financial incentive and the option to buy health insurance but my main focus was to be a public servant to the citizens of Rush County. I proudly decline the health insurance because I feel that should not be a perk for this position.

My suggestions were challenged by a couple council members and they professionally and respectfully voiced their opposition. For that, I thank them. While we disagreed on this topic we all know we will work together and continue moving forward.

I would recommend asking your council members their opinion about these two topics. I very well could be in the minority and the public may believe the council should be entitled to these additional benefits. Also, I am certainly not implying that any council members only want to be on council for the benefits. Each council member brings an important piece to the table.

Thank you for continued support and I am proud to serve Rush County.

08/28/2021

Many people have noticed the new sidewalks being installed around the courthouse over the last few weeks. Currently, I would recommend parking on the north side of the courthouse if possible. You will continue seeing sidewalk work being completed and eventually work will start on the exterior of the courthouse. The 125 year old courthouse will get a much needed new roof and tuck pointing along with a fresh cleaning to remove the black stains around the building. Some sidewalks will not be replaced until the end of the project due to the use of a crane. Hopefully sometime in September or October the scaffolding will be going up so the work can start shortly after. Please be cautious when visiting the courthouse during this time.

The Rush County courthouse is one of the beautiful courthouses in the state of Indiana and this renovation will keep the historic look alive and well for years to come!

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Rushville, IN
46173

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