In an interview with Midland Times, At-Large City Councilman John Burkholder discusses securing the council seat.
MT: What message would you like to convey to your supporters and constituents who helped make this victory possible?
First off, I want to give glory to God for all he does and for the great people he has put in my path throughout this year. This was a victory won through the hard work of not only myself, but of my family and the many friends, volunteers, and citizens that believe in me and my vision forMidland.
I feel so honored to have people who chose to get involved and sacrifice their time to help make this happen. I am forever grateful for the help and support of so many and I look forward to what the future will bring! Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!
MT: Were there any individuals or groups that had a significant impact on your candidacy?
We created a movement in Midland, and once again, I am so thankful for everyone involved. I did have a core team that worked tirelessly to make this happen and they deserve so much of my gratitude. I want to thank my entire family for being so supportive and loving during this time.
I would like to thank Rhonda Lacy, who was so instrumental in my block walking efforts and pushed me daily, but also showed my family so much love. Ernest Angelo, who gives so much good advice and fought for me behind the scenes. Jerry Morales, who connected me with so many people and believed in me from the start. Jose Cuevas, who has provided me valuable insight and support. Mike Canon, who also provided valuable insight and support. Lucy Sisniega, who pushed me and connected me with community members. Linda Bradshaw, who volunteered as my treasurer without even being asked because she believed in me. Shirley Howard, who believed in me from the beginning and helped set me on this journey. Dan Corrales, who recognized my potential from the very beginning and set me on a path to get more involved. Eliel Rosa and his team, who has provided my family and I so much spiritual support. Ned Luscombe, who worked tirelessly for me and other candidates. Courtney Mcgee, who enthusiastically jumped in to support me and my family. Brandon Hodges for all of his hard work and support. Larry and Callie Stevens, who have been my friends for so many years and jumped on board to help in any way they could.
A special shout out goes to the Midland Firefighters! They provided valuable support and volunteers to help make this happen and this wouldn’t be possible without them. Thank you, Texas Realtors PAC, the Permian Basin Board of Realtors and Carie McNeil, who worked hard for so many of us and was a social media warrior. Thank you, Save Ranchland! They were also social media warriors and made a huge impact in this election.
I also want to say thank you to Dorota Anderson, Jen Garza, The Sparks family, Michelle Carrasco, Robin Seguin, Cathie Broten, Kathy Young, Carroll Thomas, Sandra and Dusty Evans, Dr. Bill Dodson, Armando Saenz, The Tinley family, Jorge Martinez, Daisy Narvaez, Ben Roberts, James “Bull” Henry, Janet Harris, The KWEL family, Midland Hispanic Republican Association, the Midland County Republican Women, My church family, and all of the others that contributed that I have missed, thank you so much. This couldn’t have been accomplished without you.
MT: What does the win mean to you personally and professionally?
This is a very personal win for me for so many reasons. The initial desire was ignited in me because our neighborhood needed someone to guide them through concerns we had. I wanted to be a strong voice of common sense and to make sure our neighborhood was being heard.
The desire to support my fellow Midlanders grew stronger and I dedicated my time to learning more and getting involved so I could be a more effective leader for my community. I’ve never had ambitions of using this as a platform to launch a political career, I just want to use my knowledge and skills to make my city a great place and support the people who live here.
Midland is my home and I want to set an example to my kids of what it looks like to give back through servitude leadership. My team and I worked very hard to make this happen and I thank God for bringing the right people into my circle. My family and I have overcome adversity and followed through with a plan. It hasn’t always been easy, but through hard work, perseverance, prayer, and support, we made this win happen!
As far as what this means professionally, I am dedicated to serving my community and being the best City Council at Large I can be. This isn’t for me; this is for Midland and the people that call this city home!