Monday, February 6, 2017
State Sen. John Ruckelshaus (R-Indianapolis) has already hit the ground running since being sworn in last November. He has authored more than a dozen bills, and along with his district counterpart State Rep. Carey Hamilton, met regularly with his constituents from Senate District 30.
But other than his noticeable love for Indiana politics, zest for life and one-of-a-kind personality, there’s a lot Hoosiers may not know about the new senator.
Life outside of the Statehouse
Born in the state’s capital to a two-term state senator, Ruckelshaus has public service in his blood. As he grew, so did his love of the Hoosier state.
His time spent as a student at Pike High School and Indiana University gave him the opportunity to learn about and meet fellow Hoosiers.
“My favorite thing about Indiana is its people and their kind hearts,” he said. “Hoosiers are always willing and able to help a neighbor.”
For Ruckelshaus, many kind-hearted Hoosiers have impacted his life. One in particular was his high school teacher Joe Dresher, who always pushed him to do better in school and took him to Indianapolis Indians games.
Of all of the people who have influenced him, two have earned the title of role model – his father, Jack, and former Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels.
Ruckelshaus met Daniels during Ruckelshaus’ previous work as a State Representative.
“Mitch was such a visionary and always pushed us to dream big,” he said.
As for his father, he taught Ruckelshaus countless life lessons, especially the importance of humility.
“My father taught me the value that you see the same people on the way up as you do going down, and to treat everyone with respect and inclusion,” he said.
As a newly-elected senator, Ruckelshaus’ goal is to put his father’s words into action this session by building and maintaining relationships with his constituents, legislators and the administration.
Ruckelshaus’ Favorites
