Gus Ricksecker: Manages a City Council Campaign
Gus Ricksecker
Class 2, Run
What is your Vision for Impact statement?
I will use the knowledge and skills from School Board School to inform policy decisions and processes I am a part of in other fields. This will ensure there is a student-first approach and voice at the table. I also want to make my public school advocacy a lifelong commitment.
You made a big career change! What led to that change?
I went from working for AmeriCorps, to being the campaign manager for Reggie Harris’ city council campaign. While the actual work I am doing is quite different, I view both as part of a longer commitment to service and the community. I feel very fortunate that over the past couple of years, whether it be School Board School or the work I’m involved with, I have met many wonderful people that have really helped me find out how I can make a difference. I’ve always had an interest in local government and the very direct role it plays in people’s lives. Despite its importance, I have found the barriers to entry are quite low and it is accessible even for non-native Cincinnatians.
How have you used your School Board School training/ learnings in your new role?
School Board School put a lot of things into perspective. It reaffirmed the systemic lens in which I look at local problems, but also showed just how much of a difference one person can make towards them.
Educational issues are not only closely related to issues faced in City Hall, but in many ways, they mirror each other directly. Between School Board School and working in a CPS school for a year, I felt very close to many of the issues our most vulnerable face every day.
I believe School Board School also kickstarted a mindset of relationship-building that continued far beyond our last session together, and has been vital as a campaign manager. When Cincinnati feels like a small town, you know you’re doing something right.
What do you love about your new role?
I love having the opportunity to see directly the bridge between the people and government, while simultaneously being part of that bridge.
Especially when representing a candidate that so closely aligns with my values and is so good at engaging members of the community, it is easy to love the work that I do. I feel like I am learning a lot through this process, and look forward to potentially having the opportunity to continue this work in City Hall.
What impact are you (and/or your team) making in your new role?
Reggie’s campaign is rooted in hope and carries a positive message with it. I believe that, through listening to people and meeting them where they are, the campaign is letting people know they are heard and have a viable path forward towards seeing our vision for Cincinnati realized. In the larger picture, I strongly believe that Reggie represents not only demographically someone whose voice we need on Council, but also someone who has a diverse background and perspective that will fundamentally influence how Council operates.
Is there anything else you want to highlight?
I am always open to talking with School Board School members, whether professionally or just to catch up! I feel deeply grateful to the network of people I have met through this program, and look forward to who I will have an opportunity to work with in the future!
